News Republic Editorial: Homeless Haven could use a hand

The Homeless Haven of Baraboo has a lot in common with most Americans these days.

It finds itself in need of money.

And that’s not just a temporary condition. It’s one likely to linger over time.

For now, Homeless Haven, that imposing white structure at the corner of Ash and First streets sits empty, waiting for those in need to fill its three floors and 18 rooms.

On Saturday, Nov. 14 Homeless Haven will hold an Open House, which hopefully will generate interest and income to help this noble cause.

The target date to open this home to the homeless?

"As soon as possible," said Al Zipsie, Homeless Haven board member and its former treasurer.

Zipsie stepped down recently as treasurer because of a conflict of interest after he became, in fact, a major investor in Homeless Haven, using his own money.

Zipsie kicked in "more than $100,000" to Homeless Haven to pay the contractors who whipped the house into living condition.

"We took our savings that was in a CD and used it to pay the workers," Zipsie said matter-of-factly and without the slightest hint of regret.

If there is a citizen more qualified than Zipsie to be Baraboo’s annual "Man of the Year," we’d like to meet him.

When Zipsie isn’t moving dirt, pounding nails or raising money for Homeless Haven he’s organizing blood drives for the Red Cross.

But personal recognition is not what motivates Zipsie. He’s all about doing what’s right. And for Zipsie, that means helping people in need.

Timing, however, has not been a friend of Homeless Haven or Zipsie.

A year ago, right about the time when the national economy began circling the drain, Homeless Haven lost many of the financial commitments from people who had to back away due to their deteriorating financial situations.

"Last November when the economy went bad people pulled out like crazy," Zipsie said. "(Pledges) went from about $70,000 to $1,000."

Still, because of the efforts of Zipsie and others who have been immersed in this project, Homeless Haven is ready for occupancy.

"Most of the work is done, it’s just the housekeeping now," Zipsie said.

So what’s the holdup in opening the doors to the homeless?

It’s money, of course. These days, it always seems to be about money.

"We need to raise $100,000 to pay Mr. Zipsie back," Betty Krueger, executive director of Homeless Haven said in an e-mail. "We would like to raise at least $30,000-plus to open so we can pay utilities, etc. and get through the winter."

Zipsie said "about five people each month" have come forward, requesting shelter at Homeless Haven.

But that doesn’t mean there’s a crowd of people living out in the elements.

"We do not have a ‘waiting list’ as people can’t wait until we open," Krueger said. "We’ve referred them to agencies, other shelters in other counties. Calls continue to come in for placement and we’re sure once we open, the calls will certainly come in fast."

The open house next Saturday, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., should help Homeless Haven inch closer to its opening day for residency.

There will be two raffles held. One is for two wine-tasting-tour tickets at $20 each. The other is for a handmade afghan, at $5 at ticket.

We encourage everyone to attend. And if you don’t buy a raffle ticket, perhaps leaving a small donation would fit comfortably in your budget.

At the outset, Homeless Haven will open to women and children. But Krueger has an eye to the future.

"There’s a full basement that’s plumbed when we have enough future funds to house men," Krueger said.

Zipsie said that many people have the wrong attitude about the homeless. Often it is not the result of being lazy, shiftless or irresponsible that leads one to homelessness. Circumstances and bad luck are often the culprits.

"They are in trouble and they are having difficulties," Zipsie said. "Somebody has to be a giver rather than a taker to get this done."

Zipsie and Krueger are two such giving people.

We need more like them.

 

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