Couleecap News Releases and Media Alerts

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

Kim Hawthorne, Chief Executive Officer of Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers

Theresa Rogalla, Couleecap Food Programs & Emergency Services Case Manager

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.
 
“We knew there were needs in the area, but the pandemic showed us the depth of the need,” said Hetti Brown, Executive Director of Couleecap. “One of our board members, Nidia Alcantar, resident of Norwalk and faculty at the local school district, helped us connect with residents and distribute financial assistance, diapers, and other household supplies. That’s also when started talking seriously about a more permanent presence in Norwalk.”
 
The food pantry provides fresh produce, meat, dairy, and shelf-stable products to residents in a low-barrier way. Locating the pantry within the Scenic Bluffs clinic was also a way for Couleecap to reach residents in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
 
Brown says, “Collaboration with the clinic enables us to reach more of our neighbors. The Scenic Bluffs team immediately invited us in and have been wonderful to work with. As service providers to the community, they knew how a food pantry could also address health issues they commonly saw due to poor nutrition.”
 
“As a Community Health Center, staff at Scenic Bluffs focus on the social needs of our patients, just as much as the physical and emotional needs. We’ve had a collaborative relationship with Couleecap for many years, as they provide wonderful resources for patients and community members. We are grateful for the opportunity to share this space to reduce food insecurities in Norwalk and the surrounding communities. We are excited to see the impact the food pantry has on our patients’ health and the health of our community,” says Kim Hawthorne, Chief Executive Officer of Scenic Bluffs.
 
 
The Community Harvest Food Pantry has been made possible by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Great Rivers United Way, Century Foods International, and WI Department of Health Services. Couleecap also recognized Second Harvest, Hunger Task Force, ALM Charities, Mayo Sparta, and Theisen’s at their grand opening event.
 
Those wishing to learn more or donate to the food pantry can visit https://www.couleecap.org/food-assistance.html.

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. Pictured left to right: Becky Koske, Housing and Community Services Director, Dana Casberg, Housing and Community Services Manager, and Hetti Brown, Executive Director.

​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.”
 
"La Crosse Community Foundation is honored to receive this recognition,” said Schloegel. "We share WISCAP’s commitment to alleviating poverty and fostering self-sufficiency in our communities, and the award serves as a reminder of our mission to build a more inclusive and thriving Wisconsin. Our thanks goes to the Wisconsin Community Action Program, and especially our CAP partner in La Crosse Couleecap, for this honor and for the transformative work they do every day."
 
Dana Casberg, Couleecap Housing and Community Services Manager was honored with the Exceptional Community Action Staff Member Award, which recognizes an individual who has demonstrated leadership embodying the spirit of community action in the state. Becky Koske, Housing and Community Services Director, presented the award. “Dana’s leadership is not only highly regarded throughout our agency, but throughout the state. She and her team never stop evolving, assessing, and flexing processes to remove barriers for clients and Dana always looks for new opportunities to serve the community through partnerships,” says Koske.
 
“I am very honored for this recognition,” said Casberg. “Couleecap is truly People Helping People – consistently adapting to face the needs of our communities. I am grateful that I have been able to work with such dedicated people and an amazing agency who is committed to helping its neighbors.”
 
May is Community Action Month and WISCAP hosts the annual award ceremony to recognize the work of Wisconsin’s poverty-fighting network. In addition to award presentations, Secretary Blumenfeld presented a Proclamation on behalf of Governor Tony Evers declaring May ‘Community Action Month’.

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.
 
The Collective on Main can host eight to ten small businesses and special pop-up events so new products are regularly featured for the public. The store is an ideal space for business owners who currently sell online or at other venues but wish to expand to a downtown retail setting. Couleecap especially encourages businesses owned by women, veterans, or Black, Indigenous, or People of the Global Majority to apply for space at www.couleecap.org/retail.html.
 
Couleecap manages the site and provides wrap-around business planning and technical assistance. The WI Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, or WWBIC, is partnering with Couleecap to support businesses with onsite training for tenants.
 
“The store is unique because businesses 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,” says Crystal Noble, Couleecap Business and Income Manager.
 
The incubator has received financial support from Associated Bank, City of La Crosse, La Crosse Community Foundation, Three-Sixty Real Estate, WI Economic Development Corporation, and an Anonymous Donor. 
 
“The Collective on Main gives new entrepreneurs a chance to open a storefront in the heart of downtown with support from Couleecap to help these new businesses thrive,” said Missy Hughes, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) secretary and CEO. “Through WEDC’s Main Street Bounceback grants we’ve seen the power of adding small businesses to our communities and the life and vitality they bring to our downtowns. The Collective on Main will bring that spark to La Crosse.”
 
Regular store hours and special events can be found at https://www.facebook.com/thecollectiveLaX. 
​

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.