Homelessness can be caused by life experiences such as job loss, domestic violence, unexpected medical bills, inability to pay rent, or impairments such as depression, untreated mental illness, physical disabilities, alcohol/drug abuse or PTSD. Homelessness includes those individuals/families in shelters, unsheltered (non-traditional housing), couch surfing and motel stays funded by local programs. For those living in poverty or close to the poverty line, an “everyday” life issue can be the final factor in placing them on the street. 

Homelessness affects many families with children. This causes school attendance to drop and the performance of the student can be affected due to the unstable housing environment.

Marathon County has a limited number of shelter facilities to house the homeless.  In Wausau there is only one family unit available.  The number of lodging nights and length of stays remain high as options for quality, affordable housing is limited. 

The Housing and Homelessness Coalition continues working on the many issues of homelessness and looks at new innovative programs to address these needs with the goal of eradicating homelessness in Marathon County.