Couleecap News Releases and Media Alerts

10.25.23 Partnership Brings Benefits of Community Solar to Vernon Electric Cooperative Members

Governor Evers along with Senator Brad Pfaff and Representative Loren Oldenburg attend a ribbon cutting ceremony with representatives from Vernon Electric Cooperative, Couleecap, and the Office of Energy Innovation, signifying the opening of the Bluff Prairie Community Solar Array.

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.
 
Electric Cooperatives throughout the country have a common goal of providing safe, affordable, and reliable electricity to the members they serve. Development of the Bluff Prairie Solar project was coordinated with nine other electric cooperatives and OneEnergy to get a better price and return on investment for the members. In total, 22 MW of new solar generation is coming on-line at electric cooperatives across the state over the next few months.
 
A significant portion of the Bluff Prairie Solar array, approximately 60%, is designed for community solar. “The primary goal of this project was to provide economical solar opportunities to as many members as possible, as we work to diversify our energy portfolio.” stated Craig Buros, CEO/General Manager at Vernon Electric. This objective aligned perfectly with Couleecap Inc., the local community action agency that provides weatherization services and aims to bring community solar to those facing the highest energy burdens.
 
The result is the creation of the Energize Wisconsin program, which was made possible through a $250,000 grant from the Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation. The program’s mission is simple: to reduce electricity costs for households with high energy burden by offering free access to community solar benefits. Households may be auto-enrolled in the program if they qualify for state energy assistance benefits and have a high energy burden, or their energy costs are a significant amount of their income.
 
Couleecap and partners held interviews and focus groups with Vernon Electric members who would qualify for the program to gather valuable insights which helped lay the foundation of the program.
 
Under the Energize Wisconsin program, Couleecap will act as a subscriber on behalf of eligible households for a portion of Vernon Electric’s Bluff Prairie community solar array. The grant will be distributed over ten years, amounting to $25,000 per year, with an additional $2,500 per year from Vernon Electric. The combined grant and Vernon Electric contributions are estimated to generate 528,000 kWh per year, resulting in annual bill credits of more than $30,000 for income-eligible members.
 
Hetti Brown, Executive Director for Couleecap Inc. stated, “We are excited to bring solar access to utility customers who have the highest cost burden. Cost is a steep barrier for many households interested in solar participation. With the program Energize Wisconsin, we are removing that barrier. Couleecap appreciates our partners at Vernon Electric Cooperative and the WI Office of Energy Innovation for funding and collaborating with us on this project.”
 
“From the state’s first-ever clean energy plan to the Office of Energy Innovation, our Administration is working to remove barriers to clean energy to protect our environment, bolster our workforce, and invest in sustainable industries that will support the well-being of Wisconsinites for years to come,” said Gov. Evers. “So, I am thrilled to see the Bluff Prairie Solar array project and the Energize Wisconsin program come to fruition, and I thank Vernon Electric Cooperative and Couleecap for their leadership to ensure folks see the full benefits of community solar.”
 
For more information on:
Bluff Prairie Solar, please visit www.vernonelectric.org
Energize Wisconsin, please visit www.couleecap.org/solar.html

8.11.23 Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers Joins the REACH Center

Couleecap Executive Director Hetti Brown addresses the crowd and speaks to the new partnership between Scenic Bluffs, Couleecap, and YWCA La Crosse.

Senator Brad Pfaff addresses the crowd.

“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.

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.
 
Scenic Bluffs currently has Health Centers in both Cashton and Norwalk, dental and behavioral health services in La Crosse, and provides services at multiple area school districts. While the new REACH Center space is under construction, Scenic Bluffs will continue to operate a full-time dental practice at its current location at 2023 7th Street S. “We are so grateful for the donors and partners that have been instrumental in helping us improve access to dental and behavioral health services over the last 5 years,” says Kim Hawthorne, CEO of Scenic Bluffs. “These collaborative relationships with area agencies such as Couleecap, YWCA La Crosse, St. Clare Health Mission, Gundersen Health System, Mayo Clinic Health System, Great Rivers United Way, La Crosse County Health Department, and others throughout the region will continue to be the key to success as we collectively work to improve the health of the community.”
 
Scenic Bluffs provides a comprehensive suite of affordable, whole-person care to reduce barriers to healthcare for people in western Wisconsin. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Scenic Bluffs provides integrated and affordable dental, behavioral health, primary care, and complementary services by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, language, and social support needs for patients.
 
“We know that it isn’t just barriers such as cost or lack of insurance that affect the ability for people to receive the care they need,” says Hawthorne. “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.”
 
At the REACH Center, Scenic Bluffs will provide dental and behavioral health services with primary care support. The 8,600 square foot section within the REACH center, expected to be complete in late summer 2024, will house dental operatories, behavioral health treatment rooms, and medical exam rooms. “Patients will benefit from a fully integrated approach to whole-person care, which is the foundation of Community Health Centers as we strive to reduce health disparities. Having dental, behavioral health, and medical clinicians working across the hall from each other for patient referrals is an important aspect of the work that we do,” says Hawthorne.
 
“We could not be more excited about welcoming Scenic Bluffs to the REACH Center. The additional services this partnership allows us to offer through REACH is invaluable and helps us meet our objective that community members seeking assistance can have their needs met in one location,” says Laurie Cooper Stoll, Executive Director of YWCA La Crosse.
 
“The REACH Center is intended to fill service gaps through community collaboration. Having access to healthcare is critical to a person’s overall wellbeing, and Scenic Bluffs works to ensure all people, regardless of income or insurance coverage, get the healthcare they need. It just makes sense to co-locate these services alongside housing and other assistance programs,” says Hetti Brown, Executive Director of Couleecap.
 
Scenic Bluffs accepts Wisconsin Medicaid, Medicare, most private insurance and cares for those without insurance. Additionally, Scenic Bluffs offers a sliding-fee scale discount program, available to those with or without insurance, which may reduce the cost of care to those who qualify. Qualifications are based-on the individual’s household size and income. For more information on services offered, visit www.scenicbluffs.org.

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

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

Hetti Brown presents the Outstanding Friend of Community Action Award to Jamie Schloegel of the La Crosse Community Foundation.

Dana Casberg was honored with the Exceptional Community Action Staff Member Award at the WISCAP Annual Conference.

​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 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!

​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.

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.
 
Regular store hours and special events can be found at https://www.facebook.com/thecollectiveLaX. 
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.