“We are uniquely designed to look at what are the needs of our communities,” said Becky Koske, Housing and Community Services Director at Couleecap. “And then build programs that directly respond to those needs.”
When people think about homelessness, housing instability, or barriers to accessing benefits, it’s easy to focus only on the challenges. But organizations like Couleecap are proving that with compassion, creativity, and community partnership, meaningful progress is possible.
As one of Wisconsin’s 16 Community Action Agencies, Couleecap serves residents across La Crosse, Vernon, Monroe, and Crawford counties. Their work spans the full housing continuum—from helping individuals experiencing homelessness to supporting first-time homebuyers and expanding access to stable, affordable housing throughout the region.
“We are uniquely designed to look at what are the needs of our communities,” said Becky Koske, Housing and Community Services Director at Couleecap. “And then build programs that directly respond to those needs.”
That local, community-rooted approach is at the heart of everything Couleecap does.
Meeting People Where They Are
Couleecap’s programs are tailored to the realities of both urban and rural Wisconsin communities. In more rural counties, where resources can be limited and transportation barriers are common, flexibility and personal connection matter deeply.
One program making a significant impact is SOAR (Social Security Outreach, Access, and Recovery), which helps individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness apply for Social Security benefits. The process can be overwhelming, especially for individuals navigating mental health challenges, unstable housing, or limited access to communication.
That’s where support from Wispact Foundation has made a difference.
Through grant funding, Couleecap has been able to provide direct assistance that removes barriers many people take for granted—temporary motel stays during a crisis, access to phones and communication, and support for critical medical appointments connected to Social Security applications.
“We don’t always have the resources to immediately solve every crisis,” Koske explained. “But this grant gave us flexibility to provide some stability while we helped put the pieces together.”
A Small Resource Can Change Everything
Koske shared the story of one individual who arrived seeking help while experiencing a severe mental health crisis and housing instability during the winter months. Using Wispact Foundation grant funding, Couleecap
was able to provide temporary motel lodging, giving the individual a safe place to stay while staff coordinated medical appointments, mental health services, and SOAR case management support.
That short-term stability created momentum. The individual was able to attend appointments, complete their SOAR application process, and begin moving toward more stable housing and long-term support.
“It made a world of difference just being able to have that resource,” Koske said. “They’re now much further down the road toward stability.”
Why Access Matters
For many people experiencing homelessness, something as simple as a phone can become the difference between progress and setback. Without reliable communication, it becomes incredibly difficult to coordinate appointments, connect with Social Security representatives, receive updates, or stay engaged with service providers.
“Nothing gets done anymore without access to a phone,” Koske noted. “Without these resources, we would really struggle to keep people connected.” The Wispact Foundation grant has helped bridge those gaps, giving Couleecap the flexibility to respond quickly and practically to urgent client needs.
Building Stronger Communities Together
Koske believes solving homelessness and housing instability requires more than programs—it requires communities working together with empathy and understanding. She encourages people to approach others with curiosity and compassion, recognizing that trauma often shapes the struggles people face.
“I really encourage people to care about their neighbors,” she said. For those looking to help, there are many ways to get involved: volunteering, supporting local nonprofits, spreading awareness, participating in donation drives, or contributing financially to organizations doing frontline work.
“Solving these problems takes a whole community approach,” Koske said.
About Couleecap
Couleecap is a Community Action Agency serving La Crosse, Vernon, Monroe, and Crawford counties in Wisconsin. The organization provides housing assistance, energy services, homelessness prevention, community development, and supportive services designed to help individuals and families achieve greater stability and opportunity. Learn more at https://couleecap.org