The center's drop-in services, 24-hour hotline, therapy, case management and housing programs remain available, and staff continue helping young people access food, transportation and other essentials. The organization serves youth ages 11 to 17 through its Runaway and Teen Crisis Program and is one of only two licensed youth shelters in Milwaukee County. It is also the county's sole state-licensed group home for teen parents.

"We are still fully staffed all 24 hours," said Dylan Forty, a youth and family specialist at Walker's Point. "Our drop-in center is still open. Our hotlines are still open. We're still referring to and making sure all these kids have all the resources available and possible to them."

The overnight shelter was suspended after the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families opened an investigation into the center's runaway program following complaints. A department spokesperson declined to detail the inquiry but said it does not involve suspected abuse or neglect. No young people are being housed in the shelter and no new overnight placements are being accepted while the review continues.

In a statement, Executive Director Kali Daugherty said she had identified "serious compliance deficiencies" involving shelter personnel, including employee files missing required background checks, training records and other documentation mandated under state licensing rules. She said the organization is working to meet training and licensing requirements and complete the state review before resuming overnight stays.

"We currently have five of our staff cleared to work and need to get a few more cleared so we can run our full capacity," Daugherty said. No reopening date has been announced.

Young people who were staying at the shelter when the suspension began were connected to safe placements with family members, Daugherty said. Forty noted that staff remain on duty around the clock even without overnight residents; with overnight stays paused, one specialist covers each shift instead of the two typically required during waking hours at full capacity.

Beyond emergency shelter, Walker's Point focuses on building long-term stability. Forty said her 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift blends daily routines, academic support and life-skills development — helping young people get ready for school, finish homework, prepare meals and join group activities.

"I feel like all of this is life skills," she said. "Essentially, I'm getting you ready to be an adult." The aim, she added, is to help youth learn to care for themselves rather than depend indefinitely on a program or a single staff member.

The organization's Insights supportive housing program serves people ages 18 to 24 experiencing homelessness, assisting about 20 young people or families with case management, education and employment connections, and rental assistance for up to two years. Walker's Point also partners with Pathfinders through the federal Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program, which supports 40 rapid-rehousing units with tailored case management and resources.

Medical services are available through partnerships with healthcare providers who visit the organization's administrative building, recently relocated to 1300 S. Layton Blvd. to be closer to the shelter and to eight other nonprofits in the building. Daugherty noted that young people 14 and older can consent to their own sexual wellness services, while other medical care generally requires parental or guardian consent under applicable rules. A therapist also serves shelter residents and others in the community.

Community support can make a meaningful difference, both Daugherty and Forty said. The center welcomes donation drives for hygiene products, socks and other necessities, as well as volunteers to lead activities such as gardening, basketball and art. Community members can also prepare meals alongside young people when the meal program resumes.

Forty said one of the most rewarding parts of her job is watching young people who arrive with a reputation for struggling at school or home show a different side at Walker's Point — eager to learn, help staff and take part in activities. She hopes more residents recognize the organization's impact and get involved.

Daugherty encouraged anyone who knows a young person in need to connect them with Walker's Point so staff can help identify services. The organization plans to launch a text line by the end of the year to supplement its 24-hour hotline.

"In order to bring in youth for overnight stays we are working through training requirements for our [Department of Children and Families] licensing," Daugherty said. "We have staff onsite 24/7 to support with walk up, hotline calls, and basic needs."