In This Article
Freedom is valuable in so many ways!
Dear Friends,
FREEDOM—It is in our name.
It will be the tag line of every firework show, parade and celebration that happens during the 4th of July.
By definition, freedom is a multifaceted concept that involves both the absence of external constraints and the capacity to exercise one’s agency and make choices that align with one’s own values and aspirations.
Our mission statement—through faith and dignity, we shelter families so they can embrace self-worth and obtain stable housing—is the anthem of freedom for residents. This mission is carried out through a delicate partnership between the support provided by staff and the initiative embraced by the household.
Freedom in choosing housing is eroding for the families we serve. Our shelter is full, and the current shelter waiting list for Brown County is over 240 families. The market rates on rent continue to climb into unreachable amounts, especially for an income that is less than Brown County’s median household income of $77,500. The current rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in our area ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 per month. Landlords are scrutinizing the applications for monthly income earnings that are triple the amount of rent, to insure they get paid. Therefore, it is most likely low-income households will end up paying 30% to 50% of their income to meet these current market conditions. As a result, during the summer months it is not uncommon for unsheltered families to choose to live in a car, a tent, camper or worse.
Freedom in choice for residents begins at the doors of Freedom House, upon intake and throughout their stay. Our Success Coaches employs a collaborative, goal-oriented communication style called Motivational Interviewing. We leverage the person’s own motivation and commitment to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. This person-centered approach emphasizes empathy, active listening and guiding individuals toward their own reasons for change, fostering autonomy and self-efficacy.
Freedom in Christ, is our guiding value in how we approach every conversation, with curiosity and care. We demonstrate the love of Christ, in how we are filled with grace, compassion and focus on hospitality of the family. Jesus loves children the most, and we know the future of any family’s legacy is found in the children. Their resilience and ability to thrive despite the circumstances of the household, is impacted by the support provided through school continuance and family connection activities during their stay.
Our community is filled with compassionate organizations that collaborate to identify and help those who are without a place to call home. Once again, this year, these organizations will canvas the street from 12:00-5:00 am, on July 23 to look for those in need of services and hope. This is done through an outreach event called the Point in Time Count. This event, which takes place in January and July, is typically supported by volunteers and led by experienced agency staff, who search for those who are living on the streets. During last year’s Point in Time count, there were 74 people identified as “unsheltered on the streets.”
Data collected from both the January and July Point in Time Count searches in Brown County get added to the data collected in all 72 counties in Wisconsin. In 2024 it was concluded that 61% of Wisconsin’s unsheltered homeless live in Northeast Wisconsin. Data like this helps to tell the story of the need for shelter and supportive services. If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity, give me a call (20-301-7927), send me an email and I would be happy to get you connected.
Next year will mark 250 years of celebrating the freedom of the United States of America. I wonder if our founding fathers could have imagined a time like we are experiencing. What were the symptoms of greed and comfort at that time? How can we navigate the current symptoms of greed to help the least of these, to be able to thrive? A fellow leader and friend of mine in the housing community always closes her public speaking events with a line that seems fitting for this article:
“No one is coming to save them, we are the calvary.”
Please consider joining the calvary of supporters at Freedom House Ministries. We need now more than ever, your time, talent and treasures to support our families as they face these conditions.
Jennifer Schmohe
Executive Director
Freedom House Ministries
