I can only tell you what I have heard, I don’t have many details, but this seems to be the official communication on this matter. Who knows where the blame lies?
I suspect we will learn more in the days to come . . . and this isn’t the final solution . . . but
Dear Church Council and Bethel Staff,
I want you all to be notified that yesterday I was informed by Lynn Green with Dane County that the County will not be renewing their contract with Bethel Homeless Support Services in 2016. Effectively that means that Bethel’s contract with the County ends next Thursday, December 31.
The Homeless Support Services Board was able to meet briefly over this news late yesterday afternoon. They have a two-step response to this news. First, there is an immediate concern for the people we serve, for the relationships that have been forged over time, that next week they will have lost their familiar place of respite, resources, referrals and friendship. To address that immediate need the Board reviewed the financial status of Homeless Support Services account and determined that it would be prudent to provide one month of transition for those who are served. So the Board’s plan is to use dedicated Homeless Support Services funds to extend employment of Conner and Skylar through January 31, 2016. At that time their employment with Bethel will be terminated. And, at the end of January the five-day Support Services as it currently operates will end.
The second step for the Board will be to determine the future of Homeless Ministry here at Bethel. In the fall, the Church Council unanimously approved that such a ministry should continue, but the shape, scope, size and style of that ministry going forward is yet to be determined. The Homeless Ministry Board will work quickly in the first few weeks of January to present to the Council their plan for the future.
This news will be communicated with the congregation in the upcoming Bethelite, but it is public information and can be shared as you wish.
I would ask that you keep this ministry, those served and our Bethel staff who serve this ministry in your prayers.
Here’s how to contact the church council.
