WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — A new transitional housing project has been approved in the City of Wisconsin Rapids, but not without some pushback.
Mayor Shane Blaser says it’s a strict program for those that are out of rehab or other treatment programs and looking to get back on their feet. He says after going over the details of the proposal, he feels good about what the facility could bring to the city.
“The person or family will have to apply and go through a background check, criminal history, drug test, and acknowledge that the drug dog is going to be around. They will have on-site staff, cameras, and security.
“It’s for people coming out of a treatment center or who maybe don’t have housing but are looking to transition into something more permanent.
Some were concerned about what the presence of the program would do to the neighborhood but Blaser says the group was quick to shoot down those fears, noting that they would be working with law enforcement from both the city and county and the extensiveness of their background checks. He said the group even has a rule that those who are unemployed and in the program can’t be in the building from 10 AM to 2 PM because they need to be looking for work. “These people, whether it be drugs or alcohol, they are hopefully not the problem. They have gone through treatment and are looking to go forward.”
Blaser adds that the graduates of the program will then be able to provide a housing reference as they look for more permanent housing. “Housing can always be a challenge from cost to availability,” said Blaser. “If they are able to get their financial situation in order, they’ll have a reference from here. They have this set up well for them [graduates of the program] to succeed.”
The transitional housing unit will go up in a vacant apartment building, which Blaser says will get an internal makeover to meet the group’s needs before the facility opens.
Other topics Mayor Blaser discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- new transitional housing development
7:00- dog park update
11:30- 2023 budget update
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