Couleecap News Releases and Media Alerts
5.17.24 Haven on Main Receives Tax Credit Award to Build Housing in Downtown La Crosse
Haven on Main, a project to build affordable housing for adults with disabilities, local workforce, seniors, and families in downtown La Crosse, has achieved a significant milestone. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, or WHEDA, announced the allocation of $1.4 million in annual tax credits to the project.
Haven on Main was the idea of Haven for Special People, a group of parents of young adults with special needs, educators, and caring community members. Haven for Special People has a common goal of creating a safe, affordable, and integrated place for disabled adults to live with other members of their community while helping to address the shortage of housing that creates challenges for all in our area.
“Special needs kids grow up to be special needs adults. Families of special needs adults typically have three long-term living options for their family members - An institution, a group home or living with a family member. Our group of local families is looking for a better option,” says Rick Diermeier, President of Haven for Special People.
“After seeing a successful example of this type of housing in New Glarus called the Prairie Haus, we knew we could do something similar in
La Crosse,” says Roger Lowrey, Vice President of Haven for Special People.
Haven for Special People approached Couleecap, a nonprofit that works to address poverty and has been an affordable housing developer since the 1980s.
“I knew from the first conversation with Haven for Special People that this project had potential to fill tremendous need in the area,” says Hetti Brown, Executive Director of Couleecap. “Projects that are created by and led by community members are usually the most effective at doing that. Couleecap’s responsibility is to offer our funder relationships, grant writing capabilities, and development experience to ensure community-led projects become a reality.”
Working with Haven for Special People, Couleecap and their development partners at the Gerrard Corporation secured property at 10th and Main Street in La Crosse, designed a site plan and building, engaged neighborhood members, secured zoning approvals, and wrote applications for funding. The 70-unit apartment building will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom units and will feature a gym and exercise therapy area, outdoor recreational space, community rooms and kitchens, and rooftop gardens. Solar and geothermal heating systems will provide energy for residents.
Paul Gerrard with the Gerrard Corporation frequently works on tax credit development projects with agencies like Couleecap. “I thank WHEDA for their confidence and wisdom on funding this project through Low Income Housing Tax Credits. We believe the additional benefit of this project will provide developers and municipalities a development plan that includes solar resource products, geothermal heating, and financing mechanisms to make affordable housing projects complete.”
Local community foundations and donors contributed to the project early, making the application to WHEDA stronger. Our Sheltered Friends Foundation and the La Crosse Community Foundation both contributed to the project. La Crosse County also provided an Acquisition and Demolition grant, and many community members gave generously through pledges.
Demolition and construction on Haven on Main will begin in late 2024 and the project will be completed in late 2025 or early 2026.
Haven on Main was the idea of Haven for Special People, a group of parents of young adults with special needs, educators, and caring community members. Haven for Special People has a common goal of creating a safe, affordable, and integrated place for disabled adults to live with other members of their community while helping to address the shortage of housing that creates challenges for all in our area.
“Special needs kids grow up to be special needs adults. Families of special needs adults typically have three long-term living options for their family members - An institution, a group home or living with a family member. Our group of local families is looking for a better option,” says Rick Diermeier, President of Haven for Special People.
“After seeing a successful example of this type of housing in New Glarus called the Prairie Haus, we knew we could do something similar in
La Crosse,” says Roger Lowrey, Vice President of Haven for Special People.
Haven for Special People approached Couleecap, a nonprofit that works to address poverty and has been an affordable housing developer since the 1980s.
“I knew from the first conversation with Haven for Special People that this project had potential to fill tremendous need in the area,” says Hetti Brown, Executive Director of Couleecap. “Projects that are created by and led by community members are usually the most effective at doing that. Couleecap’s responsibility is to offer our funder relationships, grant writing capabilities, and development experience to ensure community-led projects become a reality.”
Working with Haven for Special People, Couleecap and their development partners at the Gerrard Corporation secured property at 10th and Main Street in La Crosse, designed a site plan and building, engaged neighborhood members, secured zoning approvals, and wrote applications for funding. The 70-unit apartment building will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom units and will feature a gym and exercise therapy area, outdoor recreational space, community rooms and kitchens, and rooftop gardens. Solar and geothermal heating systems will provide energy for residents.
Paul Gerrard with the Gerrard Corporation frequently works on tax credit development projects with agencies like Couleecap. “I thank WHEDA for their confidence and wisdom on funding this project through Low Income Housing Tax Credits. We believe the additional benefit of this project will provide developers and municipalities a development plan that includes solar resource products, geothermal heating, and financing mechanisms to make affordable housing projects complete.”
Local community foundations and donors contributed to the project early, making the application to WHEDA stronger. Our Sheltered Friends Foundation and the La Crosse Community Foundation both contributed to the project. La Crosse County also provided an Acquisition and Demolition grant, and many community members gave generously through pledges.
Demolition and construction on Haven on Main will begin in late 2024 and the project will be completed in late 2025 or early 2026.
5.8.24 Couleecap Has Served 1 Million People Since 1966
Couleecap, the area’s Community Action Agency since 1966, has served 1 million people in Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon Counties since opening its doors to fight poverty. The milestone was recently announced in the latest annual report titled, “A Million Reasons”, which highlights stories of people served by the agency.
“We are proud of the impact our agency has had – from launching programs like Head Start or the first family planning clinics in the region, to developing programs that Couleecap still operates today, like weatherization assistance programs. Couleecap teams have always responded to the community’s needs. That is what makes the agency stand out,” says Hetti Brown, executive director of Couleecap.
Couleecap has developed, launched, and operated more than 247 programs in the Coulee Region since it opened. Those programs have focused on housing, food, employment, education, energy, transportation, and more.
The 2023 Couleecap Annual Report summarizes the agency’s current work and provides examples of how the work impacts clients. In one story, a person in Couleecap’s housing program explains their experience. “I didn’t have to wander; I didn’t have to carry everything I owned on my back. Couleecap provided me with a place where I can ‘just be’. You don’t realize how important that is if you’ve never experienced the opportunity,” says Jake. “The kindness and respect staff have shown me has helped me feel I can fully trust them, which is refreshing. It’s clear the staff at Couleecap are truly here to help people.”
To view the Couleecap Annual Report, visit our current report.
Couleecap explains what is next for the agency. Brown says their success is not only about building new programs but evolving the ones that already work.
“We are always looking for new ways to have a broader impact. Over the last couple of years, we have greatly increased our housing development capacity so we can better address housing shortages in the region, and have launched several pilot projects to build community solar and add solar to our weatherization program to better address energy poverty,” says Brown. “Poverty is persistent. So we need to be more persistent by always looking for better solutions.”
“We are proud of the impact our agency has had – from launching programs like Head Start or the first family planning clinics in the region, to developing programs that Couleecap still operates today, like weatherization assistance programs. Couleecap teams have always responded to the community’s needs. That is what makes the agency stand out,” says Hetti Brown, executive director of Couleecap.
Couleecap has developed, launched, and operated more than 247 programs in the Coulee Region since it opened. Those programs have focused on housing, food, employment, education, energy, transportation, and more.
The 2023 Couleecap Annual Report summarizes the agency’s current work and provides examples of how the work impacts clients. In one story, a person in Couleecap’s housing program explains their experience. “I didn’t have to wander; I didn’t have to carry everything I owned on my back. Couleecap provided me with a place where I can ‘just be’. You don’t realize how important that is if you’ve never experienced the opportunity,” says Jake. “The kindness and respect staff have shown me has helped me feel I can fully trust them, which is refreshing. It’s clear the staff at Couleecap are truly here to help people.”
To view the Couleecap Annual Report, visit our current report.
Couleecap explains what is next for the agency. Brown says their success is not only about building new programs but evolving the ones that already work.
“We are always looking for new ways to have a broader impact. Over the last couple of years, we have greatly increased our housing development capacity so we can better address housing shortages in the region, and have launched several pilot projects to build community solar and add solar to our weatherization program to better address energy poverty,” says Brown. “Poverty is persistent. So we need to be more persistent by always looking for better solutions.”
2.6.24 'Wisconsin Help for Homeowners' Foreclosure Prevention Program Scheduled to End
Wisconsin Help for Homeowners, or WHH, provides assistance to homeowners experiencing financial hardship and housing insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program has helped over 400 households in the Coulee Region. The Wisconsin Department of Administration announced on February 5 program will no longer accept applications after March 8, 2024 due to low remaining funds. Click here for complete
10.25.23 Partnership Brings Benefits of Community Solar to Vernon Electric Cooperative Members
Vernon Electric Cooperative, Couleecap, and the Public Service Commission’s Office of Energy Innovation are partnering to bring the benefits of community solar to our area. Vernon Electric’s completion of the Bluff Prairie Community Solar Array, situated in the Town of Wheatland near Red Mound, brings a new source of local solar generation to the region. The 1.5 MW (megawatt) array houses 3,276 bifacial panels on single-axis trackers to allow for maximum power generation. 1,966 panels will be available to members for community solar subscriptions, including the Energize Wisconsin program. Click here for complete news release
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8.11.23 Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers Joins the REACH Center
![]() “Social barriers have just as much impact on health and well-being. By co-locating in the same building with Couleecap, Independent Living Resources, Legal Action of Wisconsin, New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers, Salvation Army, YWCA La Crosse, and other agencies, we create an accessible, one-stop space and advance our collective mission to provide low-barrier, efficient, and compassionate services to residents,” Kim Hawthorne, CEO of Scenic Bluffs.
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The REACH Center, 212 11th Street South in La Crosse, is gaining a new healthcare partner. Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers is joining the collaboration of agencies who operate in the REACH Center through a new partnership between Scenic Bluffs, Couleecap, and YWCA La Crosse. In the REACH Center space, Scenic Bluffs will consolidate its current single-service locations in La Crosse to provide whole-person, integrated health services co-located with other programs and agencies that address social determinants of health.
Click here for complete news release |
5.23.23 Couleecap Community Harvest Food Pantry Opens in Norwalk
Couleecap has opened a new food pantry in Norwalk. Community Harvest Pantry is located within Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers at 200 West North Street and will be open from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM each Wednesday.
Community Harvest is located in an area with high poverty, low access to healthy and nutritious food, and where many of the residents with the greatest needs do not have transportation. More than 30% of the population has poor access to groceries, and 46% of children and 27% of adults live in households with incomes below the Federal Poverty Rate. The pandemic only made these issues worse, as Couleecap witnessed as the organization mobilized to help residents who were impacted. Click here for complete news release |
5.18.23 La Crosse Community Foundation and Couleecap Employee Receive Awards for role in Community Action
The Wisconsin Community Action Program (WISCAP) recognized the La Crosse Community Foundation and Couleecap Housing and Community Services Manager, Dana Casberg, for their roles in advancing programs that fight poverty in the region. The awardees were selected from a list of nominees collected statewide to be recognized at the WISCAP Annual Conference. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez and Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld of the WI Department of Administration were speakers at the event.
The La Crosse Community Foundation was honored with the Outstanding Friend of Community Action Award. The statewide award recognizes an organization whose actions have promoted or enhanced efforts and services to fight poverty in the state. Hetti Brown, Executive Director of Couleecap, presented the award. “The La Crosse Community Foundation is an organization that works to understand needs through community-integrated work and by investing in innovative solutions that forever change a community,” says Brown. “Director Jamie Schloegel and her team are more than grant makers. They are our strategic partners.” Click here for complete story. |
2.7.23 Governor Evers Visits Prairie du Chien
On Monday, February 7 Governor Tony Evers paid a visit to Prairie du Chien to highlight the recently completed and listed Work Force Housing created by Couleecap. Evers also paid a visit to the Bargain Boutique Food Pantry to learn about how they are continuing to serve the community in the ever-changing landscape of food security and insecurity.
Click here for complete story. |
1.23.23 WISCONSIN EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SCHEDULED TO END JANUARY 31.
The program has helped over 5,000 households in the Coulee Region.
The program has helped over 5,000 households in the Coulee Region.
The State Department of Administration announced on Friday that the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program, or WERA, will no longer accept applications after January 31 due to low remaining funds. The program, locally administered by Couleecap, was launched in February 2021 to help households experiencing a financial hardship and housing insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, Couleecap has aided more than 5,193 households in Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon Counties with $22,604,157.00 in rent, utilities, and related household expenses. Click here for complete story.
1.19.23 Happy Retirement Dan! Thank you for dedicating 38 years to our mission!
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When Dan Kotek started with Couleecap he was just a young man fresh out of college. “I had just graduated from college the year before and I was working for a company that was about to go belly-up so I was looking,” Dan recalled of finding his job at Couleecap. “I actually saw the job in the newspaper, this was back in the days before you searched for a job on the internet. Had to open the classifieds in the La Crosse Tribune.” Now, nearly 38 years later, Dan will be retiring from Couleecap on January 19. Click here for complete story.
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12.15.22 The 'Collective on Main' Opens in Downtown La Crosse to Incubate Small Businesses
The Collective on Main is a new retail boutique at 320 Main Street in La Crosse designed to start and incubate small businesses within the Coulee Region. The grand opening event will feature six businesses in addition to smaller pop-up showcases. Grand opening hours are Thursday and Friday 2:00 – 8:00 PM, Saturday 12:00 – 8:00 PM, and Sunday 12:00 – 4:00 PM.
The new storefront offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to launch their business in a popular shopping district alongside other business owners in a cooperative space. Click here for full news release. |
12.2.22 Century Foods International Donation Helping Drive Away Hunger in Sparta
Couleecap, Inc. is honored to announce that it has been awarded a gift of $10,000 from Century Foods International, the local manufacturing facility owned by Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) to help drive away hunger in the community. “Century Foods International has been an incredible friend and local partner,” said Hetti Brown, Couleecap Executive Director. “Their support has a positive impact on our community and those who struggle with food insecurity.”
In addition to the gift, Century Foods International employees donated almost 300 pounds of holiday food that was distributed in the food pantry for the Thanksgiving holiday. "As a global branded food company, helping to fight hunger is near and dear to the hearts of our entire team," said Bill Stewart, general manager at Century Foods International. “Our inspired and dedicated team members make it possible for us to help those in need. We are proud to partner with Couleecap, Inc. in fighting hunger in our community.” Click here for full news release. |
11.30.22 Couleecap Purchases New Van for Food Deliveries in Monroe County
Couleecap has recently purchased a new refrigerated van to deliver food to households throughout Monroe County. The van will also allow Couleecap to pick up food donations from various food pantry supporters in our area to ensure their food pantry is stocked with food resources for those in need.
“Accessible, healthy food options are fundamental to creating thriving children, families, and communities,” said Theresa Rogalla, Couleecap Food Programs Coordinator. “By removing barriers to healthy food for all residents, we make our community stronger and a better place to live.” Grant funds from the Otto Bremer Trust, WI Department of Health Services’ TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program), and WI Department of Children and Families’ Community Services Block Grant made the purchase of this van possible. "Adequate food and housing are essential for helping people achieve stability and self-sufficiency,” said Charlotte Johnson, co-CEO and trustee, Otto Bremer Trust. “Couleecap has been an important provider of programs to people of low income in western Wisconsin.” Click here for full news release. |
11.16.22 New Business Incubator in Downtown La Crosse Shopping District Seeks Retailers
A new retail incubator in the heart of downtown La Crosse is seeking people who wish to start or expand their business. Couleecap is opening the site, which will host eight to ten small businesses as well as weekend and special pop-up events so new products are regularly featured for the public.
The new store, located at 320 Main Street in La Crosse, will open this holiday season. Businesses operating in the site will receive flexible lease terms with escalating rent starting as low as zero rent for the first three months, business planning assistance, onsite workshops, and other support to help ensure a successful venture. Click here for full news release.
The new store, located at 320 Main Street in La Crosse, will open this holiday season. Businesses operating in the site will receive flexible lease terms with escalating rent starting as low as zero rent for the first three months, business planning assistance, onsite workshops, and other support to help ensure a successful venture. Click here for full news release.
11.01.22 Couleecap Launches Solar Energy and Weatherization Pilot Project to Address Energy Poverty in Wisconsin
Couleecap has announced a new pilot project to integrate advanced energy conservation technologies, such as solar and air source heat pumps, into existing weatherization programs to further reduce energy costs for low-income households in Wisconsin. A Couleecap-owned rental property on 8th Street South in La Crosse is one of two pilot sites. The second pilot site is being identified in partnership with the Monroe County Housing Authority. Click here for full news release.
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10.27.22 Couleecap Board Director Nidia Alcantar Receives Herb Kohl Helping Hand Award
The Wisconsin Community Action Program (WISCAP) recognized Couleecap Board Director Nidia Alcantar with the Herb Kohl Helping Hand Award at the annual Poverty Matters conference in Madison, Wisconsin on October 19. The statewide award recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated leadership and commitment to addressing the needs of low-income people. Click here for full news release.
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9.15.22 Couleecap announces new business incubator with grant from La Crosse Community Foundation
Couleecap today announced it is opening a new small business incubator to support entrepreneurship, economic vitality, and business diversity in the area. The program, funded in part by a three-year $90,000 grant from the La Crosse Community Foundation, is designed to increase equity and stimulate the local economy by focusing on businesses owned by women, people of color, veterans and entrepreneurs starting with low incomes. The community is invited to help choose a logo and name the new venture. Click here for full news release.
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7.21.22 Couleecap and Legal Action of Wisconsin Open a Tenant & Landlord Resource Office in the City of La Crosse
Couleecap and Legal Action of Wisconsin have partnered to create a new Tenant and Landlord Resource Office in the City of La Crosse. The office is in the REACH Services and Resources Center at 212 11th Street South and offers walk-in services and appointments for renters seeking assistance completing housing application and appeals, conflict resolution, education and information, and other resources. The office is also a place where landlords can seek assistance to support healthy relationships with tenants, information about landlord-tenant laws, and referrals to programs if their tenants are struggling. Click here for full news release.
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5.26.22 Couleecap 'Help For Homeowners' Program Serves More Households with New Eligibility Guidelines
In March, Couleecap launched the Wisconsin Help for Homeowners Program providing assistance to homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage, property taxes, or other expenses because of financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent changes to the income limits used to qualify applicants for the program mean that more households may be eligible for the program.
Click Here for the Full News Release.
Click Here for the Full News Release.
5.11.22 Couleecap Showcases Latest Housing Development in the La Crosse Washburn Neighborhood and Welcomes New Homebuyers into their Home
Couleecap, the City of La Crosse Community Development Committee, and other supporters celebrated the latest new home built under the Couleecap Coulee Housing Development program. The home, located at 529 Winnebago Street, was developed as affordable housing with support from the City of La Crosse Community Development Block Grant fund. Click Here for the Full News Release.
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4.26.22 Couleecap and City of Prairie du Chien Break Ground on New Workforce Housing Development
Couleecap and the City of Prairie du Chien broke ground on a new housing development to support the local workforce. The project, located on Brunson Street, will build four, three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes to be sold to families earning up to 80% of the County Median Income. Each home will have a full basement and a garage. Click here for the full News Release.
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3.9.2022 Couleecap Launches WI Help For Homeowners Program
Couleecap now offers assistance to homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage or other costs related to home ownership due to financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The WI Help for Homeowners Program, or WHH, was announced by Governor Tony Evers earlier this week and is funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury for COVID relief. Couleecap is delivering the program with the WI Community Action Program (WISCAP) in partnership with the Department of Administration.
Click here for the Full News Release.
Click here for the Full News Release.
1.24.2022 Couleecap delivers over $8.6 Million in Emergency Rental and Energy Assistance Payments to Low Income Households affected by COVID in the Coulee Region
(Westby) - The Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program, or WERA, was launched in February 2021 to help households experiencing a financial hardship and housing insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Couleecap, the local poverty-fighting community action agency serving Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon Counties, launched the program after successfully operating a similar program in 2020. Like the earlier program, WERA is made possible through partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) and the Wisconsin Community Action Program (WISCAP). Click Here for the Full News Release.
12.14.2021 New program helps families pay water bills
(Westby, WI) – A new Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) was developed as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide water bill assistance to eligible households. Households that qualify for bill assistance will be referred to Couleecap for water conservation repairs in their home to prevent future financial struggles. Click Here for the Full News Release.