Description:
The shelter recently converted from 1 mass homeless shelter located in Balsam Lake to several smaller shelters located throughout Polk County. The last official step in that conversion process took place last week when the Serenity Home Shelter offices opened their doors in their new location in the Clear Lake Area Community Center. The offices, unlike before when the shelter was staffed 24 hours a day, will have office hours of Monday through Friday from 8am until 3pm. Those needing assistance with housing, rental or utility assistance will need to get a hold of staff during those hours.
The shelter used to house 17 people in one location, now the design is 3 different homes, located around Polk County that are not staffed 24 hours a day but the rest remains the same. Individuals who stay in shelter are homeless and provided with Case Management by Serenity Home staff who visit the locations throughout the week to ensure that goals are being met and rules are being followed. Residents have been living in two of the homes in Polk County for the last 3 months and some have already had success with securing disability benefits and moving into permanent housing.