Welcome to Portlight Shelter
We’ve been helping people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless in Ozaukee County since 2015.
The Portlight Shelter isn’t the drop-in type facility most people think of when they hear of a homeless shelter. It’s part of a program aimed at helping people get back on their feet. The shelter can house as many as 20 adults and children at one time, and clients must participate in weekly case management meetings. Those housed at the shelter can reside for a maximum 90 days, although the average stay is about 47 days.
Shelter Amenities
4 Shared single rooms with two twin beds, closet space, and TV
4 Family rooms with two full beds, one twin bed, closet space, and TV
All rooms have a fully furnished kitchenette with cabinet space, sink, fridge, microwave, and coffee maker
All rooms have a fully furnished private bathroom with shower, toilet, sink, and cabinet space- family units have a shower over tub
1 single and 1 family ADA compatible rooms
Basic needs are provided: hygiene, food. Home-cooked meals are provided M-F.
Trainings for guests in the program: rent smart, budgeting, parenting skills, cooking, resume building, etc
Child Play & Engagement Room
State-of-the-art community kitchen
Community room
Laundry room in both men’s and women’s wing
“Family Promise was there for us when we needed help the most. The staff is full of hardworking, caring people and the volunteers made us feel welcome. They provided us with shelter and assistance to keep hope alive. Their efforts to get us into Rapid Rehousing allowed us to not worry about housing costs for a year. We are grateful for everything they have done. It is comforting to know that they are there to help when things look bleak.”
-Family Promise of Ozaukee County Former Guests
History
Family Promise of Ozaukee County has been providing shelter services to homeless families and single women since 2015. Prior to COVID-19, our shelter program used congregations to provide accommodations, meals and hospitality to 4-6 households.
Because of the pandemic, the county was left with no shelter and an increased demand for services. The pandemic caused two issues: First, the churches closed leaving the organization with no place to shelter people overnight. Second, the number of phone calls from people seeking shelter increased dramatically.
Family Promise responded by working with a local motel to increase capacity — making ten motel rooms available to households who were homeless or at risk of homelessness. In addition to meet the demand, the organization expanded their service delivery demographics to include all household types, including single men and couples with no children. Since April 1, 2020, these rooms have been at capacity. In order to accommodate our needs, we then decided to open the Portlight Shelter.
