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February 10, 2025
WAUPUN – SSM Health has continued its support of the Holy Family Warming Shelter’s efforts with a $10,000 donation from SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital.
DeAnn Thurmer, president of SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital, said this gift follows two previous SSM Health donations totaling $45,000.
Ryan Pruess of Holy Family Catholic Community said this collaborative effort brings hope to those experiencing homelessness through the new Holy Family Warming Shelter, located at First Street in Fond du Lac.
“The shelter offers temporary refuge for individuals experiencing homelessness in the Fond du Lac County area, particularly during the harsh winter months,” Pruess said. “This past summer, our shelter underwent renovation to install shower facilities and additional bathrooms, make the facility more handicapped accessible and increase the number of people we can serve. SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital’s generous gift to support these renovations helps us to ensure we can offer the best care to those in need of our services.”
He said the positive effects of these renovations will extend beyond meeting basic human needs.
“We want to help our shelter guests regain stability and rebuild their lives,” Pruess said. “While something like a shower may seem simple, studies have shown that a shower can improve confidence and help to increase the likelihood of someone finding housing and a job. These renovations help us to further ensure a sense of dignity and respect for those experiencing homelessness, and with the increased capacity, to serve more people.”
Thurmer said it’s important to offer support to meet these needs as “the number of individuals and families who are facing difficult financial times continues to grow.”
The Holy Family Warming Shelter, located at 73 E. First St., is open from November through April.
In its first season in 2023, Pruess said the shelter served 164 individuals.
This season, with the shelter’s capacity increased from 30 to 36 single adults, he said the shelter hopes to serve more people in need.
Nicole Gill – vice president and clinical administrator of SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital – said in 2024, SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac donated more than $568,000 to local nonprofit organizations in Fond du Lac and surrounding areas.
“Each year, SSM Health reinvests in our communities through charity care as well as contributions to community health improvement services,” Gill said. “We work together with community partners to provide a safety net, helping people access preventative care, investing in critical services and bringing hope to individuals in difficult times. The work being done by Holy Family certainly embodies these great efforts.”
