Kenosha WI, (November 3, 2026) The United Way of Kenosha County selected Shalom Center to receive a $75,000 grant through the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund. These resources are earmarked to enhance Shalom Center’s shelter operations.

A priority of the Otto Bremer Trust’s Community Responsive Fund is to support organizations that provide short-term and emergency shelter beds for people who are housing insecure or facing homelessness. Shalom Center serves as the only homeless shelter in Kenosha County. In 2025, Shalom Center provided 21,004 shelter nights of sleep through its individual and family shelter programs.

This project was funded by the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund and facilitated by its grant intermediary, United Way of Wisconsin and United Way of Kenosha County. The United Way of Kenosha County used its own grant-making process to nominate Shalom Center for funding. The nomination was reviewed for alignment with the Otto Bremer Trust eligibility requirements which include nonprofit governance standards, financial thresholds, and program impact.

According to Shalom Center’s Executive Director Esther Roberts, “The United Way of Kenosha County has been a wonderful and collaborative partner in our work. We are honored that they nominated us for this opportunity. We are also grateful to the United Way of Wisconsin and the Otto Bremer Trust for investing in the communities we serve. The funding from this grant will directly support Shalom Center’s shelter services.”

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About Shalom Center: Shalom Center is a 501(c)3 in Kenosha County serving as the only homeless shelter, largest food pantry, and longest running nightly meal program. Shalom Center is a community resource that provides housing, food, guidance, and support to individuals and families in need across our community. Our mission is simple: serve the community through food, shelter and supportive ways. We believe that this mission will help realize a greater vision: self-sufficiency by maximizing the potential of people we serve. Visit shalomcenter.org

About the Otto Bremer Trust: The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Created in 1944 by business and community leader Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting an enhanced quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested more than $1 billion in its region’s people, places, and opportunities. Visit ottobremer.org

About United Way of Kenosha County: United Way of Kenosha County is committed to connecting diverse voices and maximizing resources to collectively strengthen and uplift Kenosha County. Through collaboration and strategic partnerships, UWKC works toward an equitable Kenosha County where all individuals are healthy, educated, and economically stable. Visit kenoshaunitedway.org