(Contributed)

Wiza calls for community support to help homeless man secure housing

By Brandi Makuski

STEVENS POINT — Mayor Mike Wiza is asking the community to come together to help a homeless man avoid spending a night in the cold before moving into permanent housing.

During a Dec. 6 appeal, Wiza shared the story of a man who had been a volunteer firefighter and held a full-time job before falling on hard times later in life. The man, who receives just over $1,000 a month in earned benefits, is currently staying in temporary housing but will need additional funds to remain there until his permanent, affordable apartment becomes available in February.

The man’s temporary housing arrangement ends Dec. 15, and he needs approximately $1,700 to cover the gap, Wiza said.

“I know this is a generous community, and we’re going to try and help this man,” Wiza said. “We’re going to try and raise enough money so this man doesn’t have to spend even one night in the cold before he gets into his stable apartment.”

Support for the effort has already started to come in. On Dec. 13, El Mezcal, a popular Mexican restaurant in Stevens Point, donated $500 toward the cause. By Friday, Wiza said more than $1,800 had been raised, surpassing the amount needed to ensure the man remains housed until his apartment is ready.

Donations can still be dropped off at the Stevens Point Police Department or City Hall. Checks should be made payable to the city, Wiza added.

The mayor also urged residents to share the request with others to maximize outreach.

“This is a great opportunity for us to come together and show how much we care,” Wiza said.