COTS fills niche in serving Appleton's homeless
Organization cites successes in self-sufficiency
By Kathy Walsh Nufer—Post-Crescent staff writer—October 11, 2008
APPLETON—COTS plays its role bridging the gap between homelessness and independent self-sufficiency well, and has several client success stories to prove it.
"Since June of 2006 we've helped 82 individuals move to independent housing and that's what it's all about," COTS executive director Todd Sutton said Friday, noting the transitional shelter program for homeless men and women can serve up to 58 people daily and is frequently close to capacity.
Currently 12 women and 37 men live at the shelter, Sutton said, "but on occasion we are operating with a waiting list."
Sutton spoke to about 50 people, including corporate donors, funding sources and other nonprofits, at the agency's annual report to the community breakfast.
COTS has served 47 women and 104 men in 2008, with seven women and 24 men successfully making the move to independent housing, he said.
Sutton noted that 30 percent stay fewer than 60 days, and 50 percent stay longer than 120 days. The average stay is six months.
"For people who do stay longer than 60 days, 40 percent have a positive outcome," he said, and that is significant.
Jay Kilsdonk, 52, of Little Chute, has been a resident since March of 2007 and described COTS as a much needed safety net.
"What brought me here was an extended period of unemployment," he said, noting he spent five months at the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley before moving to COTS.
"I wasn't even aware COTS existed before then but it has been a wonderfully safe and secure environment and very affordable - every resident pays a monthly program fee - with a multitude of services."
He said the COTS living skills program, which includes classes in money management, self-care, decision-making and alcohol and drug abuse relapse prevention, was particularly helpful for him in "setting goals and thinking ahead. It forces you to focus."
Kilsdonk, who starts a new job Monday and reports his savings account is growing, considers himself a success story.
"I'm very close to self sufficiency," he said. "It's really exciting and kind of scary, too, but I'm almost ready to go."
He will leave in March, but fully intends to return - as a volunteer. "It might be with the meal ministry or outside cleanup, but I think it's very important to give back what I can when I am able."
COTS highlights for 2008 included completion of a transitional living duplex and replacement of the women's shelter roof with a $40,000 grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the addition of a resource library, hiring of a fundraising specialist and start of a development committee. COTS received $170,000 in contributions and grants this year, about twice the total received in 2004.
Kathy Walsh Nufer: 920-993-1000, ext. 290, or knufer@postcrescent.com
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