Trauma-Informed Approach
We practice a holistic approach to homelessness, recognizing that the experience of being homeless can be just as traumatic as the circumstances that led to it. We address the needs of each family by identifying and supporting the individual needs of every family member.
Our first priority is securing stable housing. To achieve this, we begin by identifying immediate barriers to housing and creating clear pathways to overcome them.
Once a family is housed, we provide wrap-around case management for each member of the household. We understand that an unmet need for any individual can disrupt the stability of the entire family. Through personalized support, we empower families with the confidence, independence, and practical skills they need to succeed and to support one another.
Prevention
Whenever possible, we work to prevent families facing homelessness from losing their homes. We provide short-term financial assistance for past-due rent or utilities, as well as support for transportation to and from work.
Sometimes, the barriers to stable housing are less traditional. We work closely with families to identify these challenges and find practical ways to support them through their unique circumstances. We also collaborate with landlords as part of prevention planning, helping to mediate agreements that are clear and fair for everyone involved.
Ensuring families have safe and secure housing is just as important to us as supporting landlords in maintaining sustainable, responsible, and successful housing opportunities.
Diversion
In rural Wisconsin, homelessness often looks very different from the images commonly associated with large cities or metropolitan areas. One of the most frequent situations we encounter is families who are “doubled up,” temporarily staying with friends or relatives in a single household. While this arrangement can provide short-term stability, sharing limited living space can be challenging for everyone involved. In many leased homes, additional occupants may also violate lease agreements due to square footage or occupancy limits.
When possible, we use these temporary arrangements as an opportunity to prevent families from entering emergency shelter. By leveraging this short window of stability, we work to transition the guest family into independent, permanent housing. If we can help a family move directly from a temporary doubled-up situation into their own housing, we aim to support that transition in every way possible—through case management, housing navigation, and, when needed, financial assistance.
Shelter
Families who enter our shelter are carefully vetted to ensure the safety and well-being of all families and children in the program. Participants are given up to 60 days to complete the shelter program and transition into stable housing. During their stay, families receive individualized support through case management services. Staff work closely with each family to identify goals, connect them with community resources, and develop a plan that supports long-term housing stability.
Our program is also strengthened by the generosity of community volunteers. Volunteers help provide groceries, prepare and deliver home-cooked meals, and occasionally assist with transportation when it is needed. These contributions help ensure families have their basic needs met while they focus on achieving their housing and stability goals.
On average, more than 82% of families secure housing within 60 days of entering the shelter. If a family is working diligently toward their goals but needs a little additional time, we prioritize supporting them until they can successfully transition into housing. We recognize that even when individuals do everything right, access to affordable housing can still be a challenge.
Our shelter is located above our offices and day center in a large Queen Anne Victorian home in downtown Sparta, Wisconsin. The upstairs space has been renovated to accommodate up to five families at a time, depending on family size. Each family is provided with a private, individually locked room where they can securely store their belongings and maintain their privacy. Families share common areas including bathrooms, laundry facilities, a kitchen, and a dining room.
Financial Assistance
We may provide limited financial assistance to families who are enrolled in our programs. The type and amount of assistance available depend on current funding and the family’s specific needs.
When funding is available, assistance may include help with past-due rent, past-due utilities, first month’s rent and security deposits, gas cards, or transportation vouchers. In some cases, we may also assist with clothing or job training expenses.
Financial assistance is only available to families who are currently experiencing homelessness or are at immediate risk of becoming homeless.
Day Center
Our Day Center offers families in our shelter program a safe, welcoming place to spend their days while they work toward stability. Designed to feel comfortable and supportive, the center provides essential resources such as laundry facilities, showers, a cozy living room, a kitchen area, television, computers with internet access, and toys and books for children so families can relax, connect, and recharge.
More than just a place to spend the day, the center serves as a hub of support. Families can receive their mail at the center, ensuring they don’t miss important opportunities or communications. They also work closely with case managers who help them navigate the path forward.
Through personalized support and connections to community resources, families gain access to employment assistance, housing opportunities, health care services, and other critical supports. Together with our partners and donors, we help families build stability, regain independence, and create a brighter future for themselves and their children.
Stabilization
Our program provides ongoing case management support to help families remain stable in their homes. Case managers work closely with participants to identify barriers, build life skills, and connect families with resources that promote long-term stability.
Services include basic health screenings, employment and housing barrier assessments, and referrals to medical and community resources. Case managers also assist with budgeting, good tenancy education, and life skills development. In addition, they provide informal counseling, help participants navigate complex systems, and support families in strengthening communication and problem-solving skills.
Our team advocates for underserved individuals and families, ensuring they receive the support and services they need. Case managers also collect data to help inform program improvements and guide policies that better serve the community.