MONROE — On January 31, SSM Health Monroe Hospital’s Spiritual Care department hosted 24 clergy and community members to learn about homelessness in Green County.  

A six-member panel of leaders from Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, Monroe Police Department, Green County Human Services, Men’s Resource Center, Family Promise and SSM Health presented on the growing need for affordable housing and emergency shelter. 

Homelessness is a complex topic and this meeting provided insight into the challenges our communities face to help support those in need of shelter. 

This opportunity was brought forward by SSM Health Monroe Hospital’s spiritual care team as part of their Community Clergy Meetings that meet to share pertinent information on social issues and spiritual topics to help clergy support their congregation members and greater community. Other topics that have been highlighted in meetings includes farmer’s mental health, grief support during perinatal loss or fetal demise, spiritual care for the addicted, therapeutic listening and more. 

“Our Spiritual Care Department is proud to have this close connection and collaboration to the ministers who serve our patients and their families,” shared Linda O’Leary, SSM Health Monroe Hospital Chaplain. “We have hope that our meeting has inspired clergy and they will rally with other resource organizations to find a solution.”

SSM Health Monroe Hospital is hosting further conversations for anyone who is interested to begin a collaborative effort to take action on homelessness on Thursday, February 15, starting at 8am. To learn more or attend, please contact Tammie Jamiska at tammie.jamiska@ssmhealth.com.