Every day, the Burlington Public Library opens its doors to people from all walks of life. Some come for books, others for Wi-Fi, storytime, or just a quiet corner to read. But over the past year, staff have noticed more people coming in simply to be somewhere. They come to be somewhere safe, warm, and welcoming.
Homelessness in Burlington can be hard to see. In small, rural communities like ours, it doesn’t always look like what we picture. Some people sleep in cars parked out of sight. Others stay with friends for a few nights at a time, or in buildings not meant for living. They may not show up in official statistics, but they are here, and they’re part of our community. According to the Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization (HALO) in Racine County, about 55 out of every 10,000 residents experience homelessness. If that rate holds true for Burlington, that means at least 60 of our neighbors are struggling to meet their most basic needs.
We’ve seen the signs here at the library: an increase in people using our small food pantry, more requests for resources, and more folks spending their days among the shelves. We’re proud to be a place where everyone is welcome, but we also recognize the quiet challenges many of our visitors face. That’s why, with the help of this WiLS Ideas to Action grant, we’re taking a new step forward.
By December 15, the library will begin offering Compassion Kits. These backpacks will be filled with essentials like soap, deodorant, toothpaste, basic care items along with some snacks and gift cards. Each backpack will also include space for personal belongings, giving people both dignity and practicality as they move through their days.
Our goal is simple but meaningful: to make sure that everyone who comes through our doors feels seen, supported, and respected. For some, that might mean a book recommendation or a friendly chat. For others, it might mean a clean pair of socks or a way to wash up before a job interview. Burlington has always been a community that looks out for one another. The WiLS grant allows us to take local action on a local issue, meeting people where they are and showing that compassion doesn’t have to be complicated.
At the Burlington Public Library, we believe that everyone deserves a place to belong. Thanks to this project, and the generosity behind it, we’re making sure that “belonging” starts right here at home.
