At one time or another we all find ourselves in a difficult situation. Catholic Charities offers confidential, compassionate assistance with life's basic needs. In a crisis that negatively affects the family's well-being, our staff will respond with support, assistance, referrals or recommendations to ease your stress. We also offer disaster relief.

Who may receive help?

At some time everyone is faced with a crisis they cannot resolve on his or her own. Catholic Charities is called to carry out Jesus’ mission of compassion and the Catholic Church’s special concern for those who are poor or marginalized by society. All persons have equal dignity and all are eligible for our services based upon their need and our resources.

What types of services do we offer?

Professional staff and trained volunteers will assess your needs, advocate on your behalf, offer needed services and make appropriate referrals.

Services available are:

• Rental assistance
• Utilities assistance
• Security deposit assistance
• Transportation vouchers
• Case management
• Crisis management
• Referrals
• Food vouchers (in some locations)

In the case of a natural disaster, Catholic Charities can utilize additional resources provided by Catholic Charities, USA to provide for community needs. Catholic Charities strives to work cooperatively with other local agencies and professionals who provide similar services to persons in need.

Win-Win Program - Everybody Wins When We Rent Smart

Mission Statement

• A program designed to offer assistance to "at risk" tenants by opening doors to affordable housing that they wouldn't otherwise qualify for, while providing the community with active and involved citizens.
• To provide the tenant with resources such as Rent Smart, supportive landlords, and mentors that will keep the tenant moving forward in the community and improving their rental history.
• To provide area property owners incentives by lowering the risk to their investment and adding to the supply of low-income properties not otherwise available.
• To provide the community with a lower vacancy rate and tenants with the ability to obtain the units they will be happier living in.

• Occupancy of units otherwise vacant
• Increased availability of safe, decent, affordable rental housing
• Creating more productive neighbors that give back to their community

The Win-Win Program is administered by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse, 3710 East Avenue South, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54602-0266. For more information about the Win-Win Program, click here or call the La Crosse office at 608-782-0710.

How do I apply for services?

Contact any one of our five offices, or call your local Catholic parish.