Marshfield Clinic's annual contribution supports homeless shelter

Marshfield Clinic recently contributed $750 to the Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing (NATH) to help in their fundraising efforts to continue to operate the Frederick Place homeless shelter.

NATH is a non-profit service organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness. Frederick Place opened its doors in January of 2011. Frederick Place has served 500 residents since the shelter opened with the majority coming from Oneida and Vilas counties, according to Tammy Modic, NATH executive director. Residents from Forest, Langlade and Lincoln counties also have been served.

“The people we are able to help are families with children and individuals who lack fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence,” said Bill Miller, NATH past president. “Too many persons find themselves in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks and abandoned buildings.”

Many people discharged from health care institutions lack the resources and support networks, such as money, family or friends, needed to obtain housing. People discharged from domestic abuse facilities often have no place to go other than back to their abusive situations.

Many individuals and families each year are at risk of losing their homes. In addition, local food pantries continue to report record numbers of people needing assistance.

“Homelessness has a tremendous impact on the health of individuals, especially children,” said Dr. Michael Schaars, medical director, Marshfield Clinic Minocqua Center. “Marshfield Clinic recognizes that this organization makes a positive difference in the health and lives of our neighbors in the Northwoods, so we are happy to assist”

NATH exists to provide safe, temporary and emergency housing and basic needs for families and individuals who are homeless, within an atmosphere of encouragement, respect, dignity and hope, while nurturing and promoting self-sufficiency and independent living.

“Our organization works diligently every year to raise funds needed to staff, operate and maintain Frederick Place in Rhinelander,” Miller said. “Contributions, like this one from Marshfield Clinic, are so appreciated and go a long way toward helping us achieve our goal of raising more than $220,000 needed annually to continue operations. I am very hopeful others in our community will continue to match the generosity Marshfield Clinic has shown for this worthwhile cause.”

If you would like to contribute, contact the Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing, P.O. Box 913, Rhinelander, WI 54501 or call Frederick Place at 715-369-9777 or visit the website at www.nathnorthwoods.com.