Couleecap and Haven on Main receives Governor’s Award for Excellence in Community Action

(Westby, WI) Couleecap received the 2026 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Community Action for the Haven on Main housing development. The award was presented to the organization and partners in the project, Haven for Special People, at the annual Wisconsin Community Action Program (WISCAP) awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 27.

Haven on Main, which held a grand opening on October 8, 2026, is a 70 unit inclusive and accessible apartment complex in downtown La Crosse where adults with disabilities live and thrive alongside non-disabled residents. To date, 56 out of 70 units have been leased.

Nonprofit Haven for Special People joined Couleecap to receive the award. Haven on Main was the vision of Haven for Special People, a local group of parents, educators, and community supporters of adults with disabilities. Haven for Special People partnered with Couleecap, a nonprofit affordable housing developer, the Gerrard Corporation and Wieser Brothers General Contractor, to execute their vision for housing in an integrated setting for individuals with a wide range of support and behavioral needs.

“Haven for Special People is committed to building a sense of community and fostering greater independence for all residents of Haven on Main,” said Curtis Malone, Board Director of Haven for Special People.  

 “We are honored that Governor Evers has recognized this project,” said Hetti Brown Couleecap Executive Director. “Haven on Main is the result you get when a caring community comes together to ensure all people have housing that is right for them, regardless of income or ability.” 

The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Community Action is in its 29th year. One agency a year is selected based on their efforts to combat the causes of poverty in Wisconsin through innovation, collaboration, cost-effectiveness, and community impact.  There are 16 agencies in the community action network in the state.

The award stated, “Haven on Main stood out for its innovative approach to affordable and accessible housing, creating an inclusive community where adults with disabilities can live independently.”

This is the second time in recent years Couleecap has been honored with a Governor’s Award. In 2020, Couleecap received an award for their response to COVID-19.

To learn more about apartments still available at Haven on Main, visit https://paramark.us/property/haven-on-main/