Burst sprinkler causes delay in Waukesha Emergency Overflow Shelter opening

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Unhoused people in Waukesha County may have to find shelter elsewhere after an emergency overflow shelter opening was delayed following severe water damage.

The shelter on Sentry Drive was scheduled to open on Dec. 16th, but after a sprinkler burst, its opening has been delayed and staff say its impact could be devastating to Waukesha’s unhoused population.

Kathleen Fisher works to make sure everyone has a place to stay when the weather gets cold.

“Waukesha County counts on the emergency overflow shelter to be open so that we have more beds available as more people find a need to seek a warm place to stay,” said Fisher, the CEO of Hebron Housing Services. “When you take the phone calls, you hear the need to get out of the cold elements and just their desire to get into warm beds.”

The Waukesha Emergency Overflow Shelter was meant to provide a roof for at least two dozen people this winter.

“It breaks my heart,” said Fisher.

Last Wednesday, a broken sprinkler burst, leaving significant water damage and delayed the shelter’s opening.

“My first peak through the windows, my heart just sank because I could see the light fixture coming out of the wall and I could see the insulation and the ceiling had fallen,” said Fisher.

Disasters like this bring a community together.

“So many people have called who care and want to help that want to make sure people have access to services and we greatly appreciate that,” said Fisher.

Fisher says other shelters are making space for those who need it, and funding is available for hotel vouchers. In the meantime, Fisher and others are working to make sure the overflow shelter will open next month.

“They count on us to be there for them,” said Fisher.

Fisher says those who are in need of shelter can reach out to Hebron Housing Services, Salvation Army, or Family Promise.