Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the role of Solutions Center?

A: Solutions Center provides emergency shelter and comprehensive support services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence. Services include:

• Emergency shelter for homeless adults, families, and domestic violence survivors.
• Advocacy and case management.
• Child and teen support services.
• Prevention education and community outreach.
• Eviction prevention and housing stability assistance.

Q2: What is the role of St. Katharine Drexel Shelter?

A: St. Katharine Drexel Shelter is the physical shelter facility that provides housing for families and individuals in crisis. The shelter is operated in partnership between Solutions Center and St. Vincent de Paul. The shelter:

• Offers a safe and stable environment for those facing homelessness.
• Hosts life-skills programs such as Rent Smart, Getting Ahead support groups, and individual advocacy sessions.

Q3: What is the role of St. Vincent de Paul in this partnership?

A: St. Vincent de Paul Society owns and maintains the St. Katharine Drexel Shelter facility and plays an essential role in the shelter’s operation. Their contributions include:

• Providing and maintaining the shelter building.
• Operating the single adult side of the shelter.
• Collaborating with Solutions Center to support families in need.
• Offering additional community resources, such as clothing, furniture, and food assistance.

Q4: Who provides the staff and services inside the shelter?

A: Shelter services and staffing are shared between Solutions Center and St. Vincent de Paul:

• Solutions Center staffs and operates the family shelter side, as well as a separate domestic violence shelter.
• St. Vincent de Paul staffs and operates the single adult shelter side.
  Services provided include:
• 24/7 shelter staff coverage.
• Advocacy and case management.
• Child and family support services.
• Outreach, education, and prevention programming.

Q5: How do the organizations work together?

A: St. Vincent de Paul and Solutions Center maintain a collaborative partnership focused on addressing homelessness and domestic violence in Fond du Lac:

• St. Vincent de Paul provides the shelter facility and oversees the single adult shelter operations.
• Solutions Center delivers supportive services and operates the family and domestic violence shelter programs.
  Together, they ensure individuals and families in crisis have both a safe place to stay and access to life-changing support.

Q6: How can I support this partnership?

A: There are many impactful ways to get involved:

• Donate funds or in-kind goods.
• Volunteer your time and skills.
• Attend or sponsor fundraising events.
• Share our mission with your network and advocate for our work.
• Become a financial donor supporting shelter operations and programming.