Marathon County adds homelessness coordinator to improve shelter, data and intergovernmental response

Marathon County this week introduced a new Homeless Response System Coordinator, a position created by the board to improve coordination, data and strategy for serving people experiencing homelessness.

Administrator Leonrd announced that Megan Barnett began work Monday and will focus on building partnerships with the City of Wausau and community organizations, developing key performance indicators, and helping prepare a long-term strategic plan to address housing instability. Barnett, who previously worked in public health roles with local health systems, said she will begin a period of outreach and immersion with community partners to inform the county’s next steps.

Why it matters: The coordinator position was created following a joint county–city task force recommendation and the county’s 2026 budget. The role is intended to improve information sharing, navigation of services and coordination of agency responses to behavioral-health and substance-use needs associated with homelessness.

What comes next: Barnett will work with the county health officer and existing service providers to inventory current services, develop outcome measures and report back to the board on recommended investments or operational changes.

(Reporting based on remarks to the Marathon County Board of Supervisors on March 19, 2026.)