Dee Olsen
Merrill Area United Way
The Community Warming Center Committee and the Merrill Area United Way officially received our notice to vacate the Homeless Warming center we have operated for the past two years. The Community Warming Center has been located at 301 W. Main St. in the former Auto Drive through building of the old Lincoln County Bank buildings.
The Merrill Housing Authority has fully supported us in that location, which they own and have provided to us with no rent. We have been fortunate to have their support all along. The Merrill Housing Authority is now embracing their new expansion project, which is very important to the entire community. The Auto Bank Building will be vacated by June 30. It is the intention of the Committee to put furniture and other items into storage until we can find another suitable facility for the purpose we serve.
We have served more than 20 people during the past two seasons. Uncertain at the start, we didn’t know if we would have anyone use it. But, we now know there is a need that is being met. We wish to issue a plea to the community to consider other potential sites for the purpose of our needs. We are seeking a facility with a minimum of 800 square feet, small kitchen area (allowing the warming center to offer hot and cold beverages, as well as light snacks; meals are not provided), bathroom(s), washer/dryer hookup, storage, a partition area for office/volunteers and parking for 4-5 vehicles.
Working in collaboration with the Lincoln County Homelessness Task Force and the Warming Center Committee, the Merrill Area United Way operates the Community Warming Center Nov. 1 to April 1 each winter. United Way, a 501-C3 tax exempt organization, serves as the fiscal agent, providing administrative, fiscal and fiduciary services to the collaborative project.
For further information or to help fulfill the needs of making this warming center functional, please contact the Merrill Area United Way office, 715-536-2016 or [email protected].
Note: the Merrill Area United Way office is only part-time, but we will respond as soon as possible. Financial support can always be mailed to Merrill Area United Way, Community Warming Center Fund, P.O. Box 813, Merrill, WI 54452.