Kenosha---First Step, the low-barrier shelter that deals with the difficult-to-help portion of the homeless population, could become eligible to receive some financial assistance from Kenosha County. But Human Services Director John Jansen tells WGTD there’d be no blank check. "I would need to see a lot of improvement down there before I could make any recommendation for funding," Jansen says.
Those improvements would include a solid business plan, accounting procedures and a responsible board of directors.
Because of neighborhood opposition, First Step is in danger of losing its city license when it expires at the end of next month.
First Step operates solely through private donations and with an unpaid staff of volunteers. The agency occupies a building it owns on 63rd St.
Since last November, First Step has given overnight shelter to more than 165 unique individuals. At least 75 were dropped off by law enforcement personnel.
Jansen concedes that First Step's mission isn't easy. "They're dealing with a very difficult population--folks that generally don't want our services or help," he said.
Unlike the Shalom Center, the city's only permanent homeless shelter, First Step takes in people who may be under the influence of either alcohol or drugs.
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