The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation has given a $50,000 gift to the Holy Family Warming Shelter in Fond du Lac to help address the needs of housing-insecure patients across the Fond du Lac area.
The funding will support both shelter operations for patients in need of immediate housing and critical infrastructure improvements, including a roof upgrade.
Patients who lack stable housing at the time of hospital discharge face increased health risks and often experience longer hospital stays. Through this partnership, patients from SSM Health hospitals in Fond du Lac, Ripon, and Waupun will have access to safe, temporary housing options while transitioning out of care.
“This partnership is about ensuring our patients have access to the support they need beyond the hospital walls,” according to Laura Nakielski, SSM Health community health manager. “We know that housing instability can significantly impact a person’s health. By working with community partners like the Holy Family Warming Shelter, we are helping connect patients to safe, immediate housing solutions so they can continue their recovery in a more stable environment.”
The Holy Family Warming Shelter serves an estimated 40 patients per month from SSM Health hospitals, providing an important safety net for individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
The collaboration builds on an already successful partnership during the 2025-2026 shelter season, during which patients from Ripon and Waupun hospitals were connected with shelter services when needed.
“This investment reflects our commitment to improving health outcomes by addressing social drivers of health,” says Mason Gravelle, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation philanthropy director. “When patients have a safe place to go after discharge, it reduces risk, supports recovery and allows our care teams to provide the right care at the right time.”
In addition to providing shelter services, the funding will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the Holy Family Warming Shelter through facility improvements, enabling it to continue serving vulnerable individuals across the community.
SSM Health collaborates with community partners, including the Holy Family Warming Shelter and the SSM Health Samaritan Clinic, to address patients’ broader needs beyond medical care, reinforcing a commitment to whole-person health.
Mason Gravelle (left), Agnesian HealthCare Foundation philanthropy director, presents a $50,000 gift to the Holy Family Warmer Shelter in Fond du Lac to help address the needs of housing-insecure patients across the Fond du Lac area. Accepting the gift were (left to right) Erin Cobb, Holy Family Catholic Community director of Human Concerns; Manual Santos, Holy Family Warming Shelter manager; Valerie Collien, Human Concerns associate; and Fr. Alex Becker, Parochial Vicar.
Date posted: July 21, 2026