“I never felt alone when I was at Twin Oaks, even during the darkest times.”
Amy’s college career at UW-Whitewater skidded to a halt once the pandemic hit. As a non-traditional student she couldn’t go to class during the lockdown and lost her student housing. She lived in a tent for about two months in a state park before arriving at Twin Oaks just before torrential rain-storms and high winds started in Wisconsin.

The Flynn family of six was making ends meet until their income dropped significantly due to COVID-19. They fell behind on rent and stayed in motels before coming to Twin Oaks. One bright spot for the family was learning that a Twin Oaks staff member knows sign language, and could communicate with their Deaf elementary school-age son.

Four-year-old Jaxon’s first day of school happened at Twin Oaks, distance learning while in his room. He had scheduled school time, interaction with his teacher and distanced recess time on the Twin Oaks playground. Although he was separated from his classmates, Jaxon loved to play with the kids staying in the room next door at Twin Oaks.

During this challenging year, we’re proud to say Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless has remained open for our neighbors in need thanks to your support. It wasn’t easy. We self-quarantined, substituting phone calls and emails for face-to-face contact with our case manager and staff. A few residents lost their jobs when their employers shut down. With many offices closed in our area, residents struggled to connect with medical appointments, housing, child care, transportation and unemployment benefits.

Staff supplemented the shelter’s usual family-friendly space with games, toys, puzzles and art kits to keep both children and adults occupied while quarantined in their rooms. Twin Oaks became a hub for distance learning as students completed their classes online at the shelter

In my five years working at Twin Oaks, I’ve never seen a time more critical. We need your help more than ever. In 2019, we guided 166 people on their pathway out of poverty. That number includes 65 children. All donations are 100% tax-deductible and directly support your homeless neighbors.

Click this link to donate now.

Thank you,

James Stahl

Twin Oaks Shelter Manager