April 7, 2017 at 4:22 p.m.
Nicolet students help the homeless as part of service learning class
Nicolet students help the homeless as part of service learning class
By Kayla Thomason-
After learning about Frederick Place, a division of Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing, and how many people it has housed since its doors opened in 2011, the class wanted to do something to help.
"Most of us didn't know a whole lot about it (Frederick Place) so as we kind of met with them and learned more about it we got interested and decided on doing donations for items because listening to what they use on a daily basis is insane," said student Tarah Rappley.
Rappley said she and the other students were surprised by the number of people who have stayed at Frederick Place.
"I thought it was kind of mindblowing, because in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, you don't see homeless people because there is usually always a family member or friend that people can actually stay with. So we don't think it's a big issue. But when you go through, they've been open since Jan. 31, 2011 and they've housed over 542 people since then," she said.
Instructor Ellen Mathein admitted she previously thought of homelessness as a problem only in urban areas.
"We were shocked to learn how much Frederick Place, a 16-bed shelter, has been used since its opening," Mathein said in a press release announcing the project. "At the same time, we were heartened to learn how successful Frederick Place has been in promoting a return to independence in the folks who have resided there. I had no idea that homelessness was so prevalent in our Northwoods. Growing up in a big city, I thought homelessness only happened there. Boy, was I wrong."
Of the 542 Frederick Place residents has housed since 2011, 86 were children and 37 were veterans.
The Nicolet students set up a plastic children's playhouse at Trig's in Rhinelander to collect donations. There is also a collection bin at Dollar Tree in Rhinelander. Both donation sites are available through April.
They are accepting cleaning supplies, deodorant, coffee, garbage bags, shampoo and conditioner, laundry detergent and dryer sheets, Post-it Notes, items for children and adults, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. Food items aren't as needed, as there are several groups and individuals who prepare meals for the shelter.
The service learning class is part of the business management associate's degree at Nicolet. According to the press release, students usually take the class the semester before they graduate, allowing them to use skills learned in previous classes.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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