NUMAS Haus Expands Emergency Shelter to Address Growing Homelessness

In a significant step towards combating homelessness, NUMAS Haus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women and their children, has acquired the former First United Methodist Church building in 2024. This move aims to enhance their emergency shelter capacity, with renovation costs estimated at $1.1 million.

Context of Homelessness in Brown County

Brown County is currently facing a record high in homelessness, prompting NUMAS Haus to increase its outreach and services. Lorna Cotner, office coordinator at NUMAS Haus, emphasized the widespread nature of homelessness across both urban and rural areas. According to Cotner, “Homelessness is endemic everywhere… Quantifying the number of homeless people is a nearly impossible task.” Although many may not see it, the lack of affordable housing affects many residents in rural regions.

A Brief History of NUMAS Haus

Established in 2016, NUMAS Haus has been a refuge for those in need. The nonprofit operates a 90-day program tailored to assist families with essential resources such as food, shelter, and clothing. Furthermore, the program equips residents with skills necessary for achieving long-term housing stability.

As of February 2024, the organization reports having aided 180 women and children, with approximately 70% of participants successfully transitioning to independent living upon completion of the program.

Holistic Support for Residents

Beyond immediate assistance, NUMAS Haus offers a variety of programs aimed at promoting self-sufficiency and stability. Services include:

• Parenting skills
• Mental health support
• Financial literacy
• Conflict resolution
• Job search assistance

The organization relies heavily on community support—both financial and in-kind donations—essential to maintaining and enhancing its operations.

“Community awareness has led to strong support from both local individuals and organizations,” said Cotner. “The more people pool their resources and contribute, the more families we can help to build a stable future.”

Expanding Facilities

The new shelter, located adjacent to the original NUMAS Haus facility, is expected to significantly increase the number of families the organization can accommodate simultaneously—from three families up to eight once renovations are fully completed in 2026.

“Everything’s moving right along and there have been no unforeseen delays,” Cotner stated. Currently, renovations have progressed to the painting stage, following the successful completion of essential infrastructure updates, including plumbing and electrical systems.

Community Impact and Future Outlook

The urgency of the project is underscored by recent statistics indicating that over 9,000 individuals experienced homelessness in the state on a single night in 2024. As NUMAS Haus prepares to launch its expanded facilities, its efforts remain vital to the welfare of families in Brown County.

Ultimately, the work undertaken by NUMAS Haus highlights the importance of community involvement in addressing homelessness and ensuring that families can achieve stability. With ongoing support, the nonprofit aims to make significant strides in combating the crisis at hand.