Contact – Tom Behnke, Operations & Outreach Manager
Telephone – 608-244-4422
Email – tbehnke@wiscap.org
Website – Wiscap.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2023
The Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP) and the Wisconsin Coalition Against Homelessness (WCAH) will be conducting a listening session on homeless services on Tuesday, October 10th from 4:30pm-630pm at the Northwood Technical College, in Ashland, WI (2100 Beaser Ave, Ashland, WI 54806: Room 305)
In coordination with Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency, and other local service providers stakeholders such as UW-Extension, The Brick Ministries, and local and tribal housing authorities, WISCAP and WCAH look forward to hosting this session to listen and hear from individuals experiencing homelessness, service providers on the current systems in place, potential improvements, and to envision what an alternative system might look like. Although Chequamegon Bay communities are not unique in their struggle for low-to-moderate housing solutions, the area exemplifies the barriers rural and tribal communities alike must break to forge more equitable housing solutions.
Millie Rounsville, executive director of Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency, states: “I believe food, clothing, shelter, and access to healthcare are basic human rights. The largest issue we continue to encounter is the overall lack of housing, which impacts the entire community and all income levels. It is not just those who are lacking housing, but also employers unable to recruit employees.” Liz Seefeldt, director of Brick Ministries added, “Safe and affordable housing is a foundational element that contributes to stability and well-being. For many folks, they are just one step away from losing not only their home, but so much more.”
“Homelessness looks different across Wisconsin, including in cities and towns like Ashland, Superior and surrounding rural areas. We can only truly address the homeless crisis in the state when we recognize that any solution requires both local voices and broader system change, not a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Brad Paul, WISCAP’s Executive Director.
In addition to this listening session, WISCAP as part of the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Opportunity Starts at Home campaign which has initiated the Badger State Housing Alliance, a statewide network promoting innovative ideas in addressing Wisconsin’s housing crisis. We invite housing advocates, service providers, and community leaders from across Wisconsin to join us in building a cohesive and equitable housing solutions for all Wisconsinites. Click here for more information and to get involved!
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About WISCAP: The Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP) is the statewide association for Wisconsin’s sixteen (16) Community Action agencies and two single-purpose agencies with statewide focus. You can learn more about WISCAP at wiscap.org