Wisconsin Rapids council reject homeless shelter

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (AP) — The City Council has rejected a plan to shelter the homeless in Wisconsin Rapids.

A temporary proposal to set up eight beds at the United Methodist Church failed to get a three-fourths majority vote by the council Tuesday after some residents raised safety concerns about the shelter. Neighbor Deb Stelzer cited national statistics linking homelessness to possible substance abuse, mental illness and domestic violence.

Alderman Andrew Kirkpatrick criticized organizers for bringing the request to the council so close to the winter season. The Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune reports Mayor Mary Jo Carson says she has been working with the city attorney and police department to develop the plan over several months.