Green Bay Grants Temporary Permit for Safe Haven Homeless Shelter

The new shelter will operate out of the former Newcap site, raising concerns from neighboring property owners.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:49pm

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The city of Green Bay has granted Safe Haven Hope Center a temporary use permit to operate a homeless shelter at the former Newcap site. Safe Haven describes the shelter as a 'low-barrier, trauma-informed transitional living' facility that will serve individuals facing barriers to traditional shelters. However, the plan has faced opposition from a neighboring property owner, State Sen. Eric Wimberger, who cites safety concerns and a lack of communication from Safe Haven.

Why it matters

The opening of the Safe Haven shelter comes after the recent shutdown of the Newcap shelter, leaving a gap in services for the homeless population in Green Bay. The temporary permit highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in balancing the needs of the homeless with the concerns of nearby residents.

The details

The temporary use permit for the 315 S. Jefferson Street location expires on June 30 and allows for up to 9 residents and 1 staff member to stay overnight, with additional employees allowed on-site. To make the shelter permanent, Safe Haven must apply for a conditional use permit with the Green Bay Plan Commission and get approval from the Common Council. Neighboring property owner State Sen. Eric Wimberger has voiced opposition, citing safety concerns and a lack of communication from Safe Haven.

  • The temporary use permit expires no later than June 30, 2026.
  • Newcap shut down all of its operations on Tuesday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Safe Haven Hope Center

A nonprofit organization operating a 'low-barrier, trauma-informed transitional living shelter' that will serve individuals facing barriers to traditional shelter systems.

State Sen. Eric Wimberger

A Republican state senator from Gillett, Wisconsin, who owns property next door to the former Newcap site and has voiced opposition to the Safe Haven shelter plan.

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What they’re saying

“Like any property owner, I am highly concerned about the neighborhood. NEWCAP, despite its massive failings, courteously maintained the property next door that shares a driveway. They made sure to have supervision, and the residents were families with children and abuse survivors. It was good to see people motivated to get themselves back on their feet be given that helping hand.”

— State Sen. Eric Wimberger

“We WILL have background checks on everyone we get to serve. We can't possibly properly help folks go forward if we don't know where they've been.”

— Cathi Oreto, of Safe Haven Hope Center

“Yup. Letting neighbors know who we are and what we're doing is a great idea. Had we KNOWN we would be here – we would've. We will be doing, (as they say in sales), 'donut runs', beginning this week. We want to know our neighbors. Working together, is the only way we can make this shelter model successful. I missed a step. That was on me.”

— Cathi Oreto, of Safe Haven Hope Center

What’s next

To make the shelter permanent, Safe Haven must apply for a conditional use permit with the Green Bay Plan Commission and get approval from the Common Council.

The takeaway

The opening of the Safe Haven shelter highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in balancing the needs of the homeless population with the concerns of nearby residents. While Safe Haven aims to provide a 'low-barrier' shelter, the lack of communication with neighbors has raised safety concerns that the organization will need to address to gain broader community support.