A home is more than simply a shelter; it’s a foundation that allows one to focus on the future. If a permanent place to call home is not available, it is difficult, if not impossible to focus on any other aspect of life. The House of Mercy will offer a refuge to those in our community who are homeless. It provides families and individuals in Clark County the housing and needed supportive services to be restored to the stability of permanent housing and the dignity of full participation in the community.
Mission:
The House of Mercy is part of the Beyond Shelter Program. The mission is to provide dignity and stability of a permanent home, as well as supportive services to homeless individuals.
Beyond Shelter is a program that embraces the Housing 1st model and recognizes that all people have the basic human right to safe, affordable housing. The House of Mercy will allow families to fully experience the joy and comfort of having a home, thus allowing them to focus on other barriers to their success in life.
Who are we?
The House of Mercy was brought into existence by a coalition of religious communities, businesses and private individuals in Clark County with the professional support of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse. Catholic Charities has hired a part-time house coordinator/case worker who will work with the residents at the House of Mercy offering them financial education and assistance to one day achieving sustainable living.
How does House of Mercy help?
The House of Mercy will bring to its residents all of the professional services of Catholic Charities and collaborating Clark County social services, the support of Church volunteers, and the assistance of people of good will. Each family will be accessed into the program through VI-SPDAT guidelines and program staff interviews. The needs of each person will be assessed and an individualized growth plan developed. Once a family has the skills and resources to live independently, they will be assisted in finding permanent housing and may continue to participate in case management.
Why are we doing this?
As a national movement called “Housing First” indicates, helping professionals have learned that until families have their basic needs for food and shelter met, they do not have the emotional resources to address the other issues in their lives. There is a waiting list of families who seek such assistance in our county.