WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – A proposal to build ‘tiny houses’ for the homeless in a church parking lot is being opposed by neighbors.
The Oasis Community Church on South 8th Avenue would have a tiny house village in the parking lot behind the building. The structures would provide temporary housing for the homeless and for low-income people.
The proposal was made by the Marathon County Community Outreach Task Force. “For those that are ready to try to navigate back into society these little homes will give them the opportunity to have a good night’s rest, it gives them the opportunity to lock their doors and lock their belongings,” project leader Jean Slaktoski said.
The primary pushback from residents from the surrounding neighborhood and outside the neighborhood was concerning the location.
“So I ask you tonight: pick a different location,” one resident said.
“I think you’re pushing this down our throats,” another resident said.
Others added that the project seems unnecessary.
“[It’s] right behind a county park when there are services all over the city and a lot of the services that are already existing are underutilized,” said one resident who was also curious about the project’s origins and wondered why they weren’t brought to attention sooner.
No concrete action is being taken just yet, as this proposal is still in its discussion phase.
Slaktoski says the task force will reconvene within the next few weeks.
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