The Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson has announced that it will be holding its annual vigil Thursday, Nov. 17.
According to a news release, the vigil is a mechanism used to promote awareness about homelessness in the Fort Atkinson area and raise funds to support programming to help those facing or enduring homelessness.
The vigil will be held in Jones Park, near the park’s concession stand, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The event is held in conjunction with National Homeless Awareness Week, recognized Nov. 12-20.
Those participating in the vigil will find music, hot chocolate and cookies provided.
Additionally, Head Pastor Amy Waelchi, Trinity English Lutheran Church, Fort Atkinson, will offer a prayer and Kenny Strege, president of the Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson and a Jefferson County Human Services employee, will share statistics about homelessness in the Fort Atkinson area, the release stated.
Words also will be shared in remembrance of Keith Lueloff, who, according to his obituary, died in 2018.
According to the release, Lueloff died of exposure.
The vigil serves to remember and recognize other individuals and families who have suffered from a lack of having a “stable place to live,” the release continued.
The vigil is supported in part through donations from Festival Foods, according to the release.
Those planning to attend are reminded to dress in warm clothing.
About the coalition
Jude Hartwick, Board and Fundraising Committee member of the Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson, said that the coalition is involved in several projects.
“The Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson is raising funds to purchase a home to provide for a family to help them get out of their situation. Based upon the Bethel House model, the family would pay rent to the Homeless Coalition that would go into escrow. This money would be used to help the family once they are ready to transition to their own living arrangements. Prior to this transition, the family would go through financial planning/budget training and lifeskill management to help prevent returning to their needful situation,” Hartwick noted through email.
Additionally, he wrote: “The Homeless Coalition has two houses rented to families identified by the School District of Fort Atkinson (as) in need of help. These houses are graciously offered to the Homeless Coalition by Fort HealthCare. These houses will eventually need to be moved to a new location. We also have a few rental rooms available for individuals from Rocket Realty. These properties are rented by the Homeless Coalition which assumes the risk of renting, as most rental histories are very poor. We take the chance. It may not work, but we try.”
Hartwick offered information for those looking to help stop homelessness. The coalition accepts monetary donations, with some of those funds used to support the group’s capital campaign. The campaign is working to collect funds to move the two houses that have been donated by Fort HealthCare.
An earlier story about the campaign is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/homeless-coalition-seeks-funds-to-open-two-transitional-houses/.
Funds may also be used to support the coalition in its effort to provide “regular services” and “day-to-day funds.”
Hartwick noted that those making donations are asked to choose how they would like to see the funds used. Checks can be made out to the Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson, and mailed to P.O. Box 785, Fort Atkinson, WI, 53538.
More information about the coalition is available on the group’s website: www.forthomeless.org or can be obtained by calling Sheri Bronstad, director of the Homeless Coalition: 920-210-8100, or Hartwick: 920-568-0626.
Attendees sing Christmas carols at the close of a vigil, followed by the enjoyment of refreshments and conversation. The vigil was held last year during the winter solstice. File photo/ Chris Spangler.
Kenny Strege, vice president of the Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson, shares statistics revealing the “whos” and “whys” of homelessness, during an event held last year. File photo/Chris Spangler.
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