By Shereen Siewert | Wausau Pilot & Review
Members of Wausau’s Finance Committee this week will discuss a proposal from Bridge Street Mission to operate a year-round emergency homeless shelter at its facility, a plan drawing mixed reaction due to the mission’s conservative stance on sexuality and gender.
Bridge Street Mission’s doctrinal statement explicitly opposes homosexual behavior, same-sex marriage, and gender transitions. The faith-based nonprofit reserves the right to exclude staff and volunteers whose actions conflict with these beliefs, a position that has prompted concern over the use of public funds to support an organization with potentially exclusionary policies.
The mission responded to a request for proposals by the city to operate a shelter every night of the year at its location at 325 N. 1st Ave. Specific funding amounts have not been disclosed.
Under the proposed plan, the shelter would have separate sleeping areas for up to 40 men and 20 women, with additional overflow capacity bringing total accommodations to 75 during high-demand periods. Services would include overnight staffing, secure storage, meals, laundry, and individual case management provided through the adjacent day center.
The Wausau Police Department previously earmarked $400,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to address homelessness. This decision in late 2024 aimed to support various homeless services in the community.
Mission’s Background and Performance
Bridge Street Mission is a local faith-based nonprofit founded in 2016 that has steadily expanded its services for Wausau’s unhoused and vulnerable residents. Initially known for hosting grill-outs under the Scott Street bridge for people in need, the organization now operates a daily drop-in Outreach Center providing lunch and other support, and runs a residential recovery program for men overcoming substance abuse. With its move to the First Avenue location, Bridge Street Mission has grown its meal service capacity and is adding a new women’s recovery program, alongside planning for the emergency shelter
Bridge Street Mission is part of the Citygate Network, a nationwide association of more than 300 rescue missions. In 2024, the organization provided more than 34,000 meals and helped 90 individuals transition into improved housing situations.
Citygate member organizations “incorporate the core tenets of Christianity” into their work while being open to people of all faiths or no faith. In practice, Bridge Street Mission serves anyone in need of food or shelter, but its religious principles guide its operations and staffing.
City officials have sought partners to operate overnight shelter services for months, and in May opened a temporary shelter in downtown Wausau. The temporary shelter was developed after the police department failed to receive any qualified bids ahead of a May 1 deadline, a date tied to Catholic Charities’ seasonal warming center closure.
Monday’s Finance Committee meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Wausau City Hall, 407 Grant St. Public comments can be submitted in advance by emailing [email protected] with “Finance Committee Public Comment” in the subject line.
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