MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett on Sunday, March 29 announced a new plan to house those “with unstable housing” amid the coronavirus pandemic. The City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County teamed up with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to use Clare Hall, the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi convent, unoccupied as of January 2020, to house the homeless who are susceptible to COVID-19, or symptomatic.
Mayor Barrett spoke of two wings and 90 beds, one wing for those showing symptoms, and another for those at risk of COVID-19. The mayor said the Milwaukee Health Department would make referrals to the facility, which would provide temporary housing “for people who are vulnerable and at risk right now.”
“This takes a lot of burden off of our shelters and at the same time does so in a way that is very responsible,” said Mayor Barrett.
The mayor said it’s an effort to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, noting congestion in Milwaukee-area homeless shelters, and questions about what to do to make sure this vulnerable population is safe, and not infecting others. Mayor Barrett said the city was working with 14 shelters, and businesses were donating supplies. This, with 606 positive cases of COVID-19 in Milwaukee County, and nine deaths as of Sunday.
COVID-19: Mayor Barrett announces former convent opening for at-risk, symptomatic homeless