Local nonprofits bracing for impact of federal funding freeze
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Green Bay's local nonprofits face high uncertainty following the threat of a federal funding freeze that could impact crucial services for the homeless, disabled, and elderly.
These organizations, which provide vital community support, rely heavily on federal funding to keep their doors open.
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The looming freeze, which has been rescinded as of Wednesday morning, caused significant concern among local leaders who were preparing for potential disruptions in services that could leave thousands of vulnerable residents without essential resources.
One of the most affected organizations would be New Community Shelter, a rehabilitative homeless shelter providing services to those experiencing homelessness.
CEO Terri Refsguard explained the critical role that federal funding plays in keeping their services running.
'We're a rehabilitative homeless shelter. We provide services to anyone in our community who finds themselves homeless,' Refsguard said, 'I think today we have about 103 people living with us.'
The shelter's annual budget is approximately $1.6 million, with $215,000 of that coming from federal grants.
The uncertainty of the funding freeze left many wondering how these services would continue if the freeze went through.
'We have hundreds of people who have moved out and received section eight housing. This could increase our population. If this goes through, this is going to hit us in a number of ways,' Refsguard said. 'I think my greatest concern is for our quote graduates who are out there in the community renting, who might have rent money this month.'
Curative Connections, another key nonprofit in Green Bay, was also concerned about the freeze's potential impact.
Serving a population of people with disabilities and those who are aging, Curative Connections provides vital services including adult care and cognitive health programs.
'Curative Connections has been in the Green Bay community serving the community for 77 years,' said Jeanne Stangel, the nonprofit's president and CEO. 'We have a strong reputation, a great understanding of the community needs and being able to offer services for people who need it.'
Stangel highlighted that a freeze in Medicaid funding, which many of their clients rely on, could have a 'very significant impact.'
About 80% of the individuals served by Curative Connections rely on some form of federal assistance.
The rescinding of the freeze comes as a relief to these organizations, who had feared devastating impacts on their ability to care for the community's most vulnerable.
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As federal funding resumes, both New Community Shelter and Curative Connections continue their work of serving Green Bay's vulnerable populations, but the uncertainty surrounding these programs highlighted the crucial role federal funding plays in supporting essential services.
Nonprofits and their clients remain hopeful that their needs will continue to be met, even in uncertain times.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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The Hill
28 minutes ago
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Washington Post
2 hours ago
- Washington Post
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