The final report, Homelessness in the Fox Cities: Reflections from the Shelters and the Streets, explores the barriers and gaps faced by unhoused individuals in the Fox Cities area of Wisconsin, as well as the efficacy of services provided by the Fox Cities Housing Coalition (FCHC). The coalition, comprising 26 agencies, partnered with a research team from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to investigate these issues through participant-driven photo-elicitation (PDPE), qualitative interviews, and surveys of service providers.
The findings highlight significant internal and external barriers to housing. Internal factors, such as disabilities, mental health challenges, and financial instability, often hinder individuals’ ability to secure housing. External barriers include systemic limitations, such as the shortage of affordable housing, restrictive eligibility criteria, and reliance on unstable temporary jobs. Participants described a recurring cycle of homelessness, where temporary employment and housing efforts often led to eventual displacement and a return to shelters. Although services like workforce development programs, transportation vouchers, and temporary shelters were praised, criticisms emerged regarding long waiting lists, restrictive program requirements, and inadequate mental health resources. Some participants also cited negative interactions with law enforcement in public spaces as a significant challenge.
Service providers expressed concerns about increasing workloads and the growing demand for services, exacerbated by a lack of affordable housing and insufficient staff. While many agencies reported strong interagency collaboration, they also highlighted areas needing improvement, such as streamlining application processes, creating centralized intake systems, and securing additional funding for staffing and resources.
The report recommends expanding affordable housing options, extending transitional periods before individuals are required to move out of shelters, and centralizing services to reduce duplication and improve access. Motivational interviewing and assertiveness training are suggested to empower unhoused individuals, while outreach to underserved populations should be prioritized. The findings underscore the need for systemic changes to address structural and individual barriers effectively. Overall, the report calls for increased investment in housing and support services to create sustainable pathways out of homelessness in the Fox Cities.