A vote in the state Assembly today could allow Marathon County to contribute $500,000 toward a new shelter for the Women’s Community. The measure, drafted by Wausau Representative Donna Seidel, will let counties give money to nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to low-income individuals or victims of domestic violence.
The Women’s Community announced plans last winter to build a 28,000 square foot shelter that will have enough room for up to 40 families. Its current shelter holds 28 families. Marathon County would allocate the money through its capital improvement process. That means the money would only be awarded if the Women’s Community reaches a substantial portion of its fundraising goal.
The county board will decide next month whether to give the $500,000 next year or split it up over the next two years, said finance director Kristi Kordus. Helping pay for the shelter is the highest ranked of all ranked projects, Kordus said.
The non-profit Women’s Community has raised half of its $4 million goal. It would like to have 90 percent raised before it breaks ground, hopefully in spring 2010.
If it passes the Assembly, the measure would still have to clear the Senate and be signed by the governor before it becomes law.
AUDIO: Matt Lehman reports (MP3 :33)
Contributed by Matt Lehman-WSAU
