Our Vision

The neighborhood shelter:

Is a low-barrier drop-in emergency shelter for those needing immediate shelter from the elements. While here, guests will be provided with hygiene, winter clothing, and referrals as needed. The goal is for individuals from Neighborhood Shelter to transition into the Neighborhood Haven or Hope House.

the neighborhood haven

Is for men experiencing homelessness. Once approved, residents are provided case management and stable housing for up to 90 days before transitioning into the Neighborhood Apartments.

The Neighborhood hope house

Is for families and women experiencing homelessness. Once approved, residents are provided case management and stable housing for up to 90 days before transitioning into the Neighborhood Apartments.

The Neighborhood apartments

Are for residents ready to transition from our partner agencies into safe, affordable apartments where they can continue their case management program for up to two years preparing them to transition into independent stable housing. Occupancy shall be limited to those who have been vetted and agreed to program rules through our partner agencies guided by a Manitowoc County first philosophy.

what is being done:

Currently, the Neighborhood is focusing on two parallel projects:

Manitowoc Warming Shelter expansion – We are currently seeking a location in downtown Manitowoc to build an expanded Warming Shelter. The current shelter is housed at First Presbyterian Church and is limited to 12 individuals. There are no onsite showers or laundry facilities. An envisioned expanded shelter will be able to house 24 individuals and have onsite showers and laundry. The cost of this Project is estimated to be $1.2 million, and it will open in November 2025.
Affordable Transitional Apartments – the former McKinley School at 1010 Huron has been purchased and plans are being designed for 30+ affordable transitional apartments. To make this project sustainable it is hoped that the first floor can house retail businesses. The cost of this Project is estimated to be $8 million.

additional information:

The Neighborhood of Manitowoc County, Inc. is an approved 501c3 and registered with the state of Wisconsin as a non-profit corporation.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Haven, Hope House, First Presbyterian Church/Warming Shelter, and The Neighborhood has been created to solidify the unity of vision and commitment to work together. Other partners at differing levels may be the Lakeshore CAP, Painting Pathways, InCourage, United Way, and Manitowoc County Housing Coalition.

The estimated renovation cost for the Neighborhood Apartments and a stand-alone Neighborhood Warming Shelter is approximately $10 million. These funds will be raised through private donations and foundations. Grants will be applied for as long they do not deter from the primary mission of The Neighborhood.

The Neighborhood has received an initial $500,000 gift of a $2.5 million pledge from Jim and Barbee Lester of Two Rivers, WI to begin building acquisition and to develop architectural renderings.

Board of Directors for the Neighborhood of Manitowoc County, Inc:

The Haven

Alex Hunt, Executive Director

Dcn. Mark LeGreve, Founder and Board Member

Hope House

Jan Graunke, Executive Director

Amy Sonnemann, Board President

Manitowoc Warming Shelter

The Rev. Dr. Matthew L Sauer, Founder and Executive Director

Brittany Punches MSW, Board Member

Community Members

Michael Huck, retired non-profit and finance experience

Cathie Kocourek, President Aurora Hospital, Two Rivers

Sister Leonette Kochan, Sister of Franciscan Charity

Project Consultants:

City of Manitowoc
Mike Howe, Mike Howe Builders
Steve Hamann, Hamann Construction
Gene Maloney, Maloney Associates LLC