The Shalom Center is expanding

The Shalom Center is expanding with a $2.4 million warming/cooling addition, which will also include more services and coordinated assistance for the community. Renderings of the new facility were unveiled Thursday evening at the center’s 40th anniversary celebration.Executive director Tamarra Coleman made the announcement in front of an audience of nearly 300 at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Ballroom during the nonprofit organization’s 40th anniversary celebration Thursday evening. The local organization, headquartered at 4314 39th Ave., provides emergency shelter, hot meals, groceries and guidance to help assist thousands of area residents in need. The Shalom Center hosts the longest running soup kitchen in the county, a 24/7, 82-bed shelter facility and a 10,000-square-foot food pantry and distribution center.

Coleman announced a 10,500-square foot addition will soon be constructed on the property to serve as a warming center in the winter and cooling center in summer months. It will provide washing machines and dryers to people in need of clean clothing. For families in need of energy or rental assistance, the new facility will have professionals to help connect them with vital services.

Donor underwrites cost

The $2.4 million addition has been underwritten by an anonymous donor, Coleman said. Renderings of the new facility were on display Thursday night.

“That is a person who believes in our mission, vision and goals,” Coleman said. “We can’t thank that anonymous donor enough. Because of that we are going to be able to help so many more people. Way more. It’s pretty cool isn’t it? We’re excited. Hope is going to march on because of this.”

Governor’s proclamation

Gov. Tony Evers issued a proclamation celebrating the announcement. Peter Barca, the secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and the area’s former state representative, spoke on behalf of Evers.

“What a tremendous surprise to see this unveiling for 40 years,” Barca said. “As a former superintendent of schools, the governor obviously recognizes the incredible role community nonprofit organizations play in the life of a community.”