Waukesha shelter set to reopen after broken sprinkler caused severe water damage

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Waukesha Emergency Overflow Shelter is set to reopen nearly a month after it faced severe water damage.

The shelter was scheduled to open in December, but a broken sprinkler burst, delaying its opening. People who were set to move in were sent to temporary motels until the damage could be fixed.

Now, more than a month later, volunteers are wiping down doors, surfaces, and setting up the final touches in every room.

“It’s necessary. It’s absolutely necessary,” said Mary Freisleben, a volunteer. “If we refer you, they're gonna take care of you, we know you’re in the right place.”

Four people and three families will move in on Thursday.

“Not knowing where you're gonna sleep and where your next meal is going to come from is so heartbreaking and it hurts," said Kathleen Fisher, CEO of Hebron Housing Services. “It means a lot to me to know we can help people and get them off the streets and back in a warm place where they can be cared for.”

Fisher says this is a way for people to work on the next steps towards permanent housing without worrying about where to stay during the cold.

“I’ve looked into children’s eyes who care for their moms and they know how bad they feel and at that point, I want to do everything I can for them,” said Fisher.

Fisher says the shelter’s reopening wouldn’t be possible without its volunteers and community dedicated to helping its vulnerable population.

“It’s good to know there are so many caring people in our community that want to serve and help people who a lot of other people wouldn't want to help,” said Fisher. “People have looked out for me when I struggled, and I think it’s my job to look out for theirs.”

The Waukesha Emergency Overflow Shelter says it’s always looking for more volunteers to help with meals, transportation and other donations such as paper and hygiene products.