The Vision of Habitat for Humanity-La Crosse Area

We believe that decent, affordable housing is a matter of conscience; we realize that there are people in our community who are living in inadequate conditions and that joining together we can provide a hand up - not a hand out.

We envision that the families with which we partner will have pride in ownership, learn skills that will help them maintain their home, and be a model to others in the community. Most of all it will give those in need hope and encouragement to see that decent affordable homes are a possibility for them.

For many of the affluent it will be an eye-opening experience to see what homes and conditions are like for many of the poor. Many of the stereotypes that the affluent have harbored will be dispelled as they get to know personally persons of different socio-economic, ethnic, or religious backgrounds. They will find that we all share a common humanity, with similar frailties, strengths and aspirations. We think that the affluent might well be humbled by the endurance, optimism, courage, and resourcefulness of the poor as they struggle against great odds to make ends meet for themselves and their families.

And for those who stand by and watch this whole process and interaction, we hope they will be pleasantly surprised and do some serious thinking about the disparity between the affluent and poor.

Timeline of Habitat for Humanity - La Crosse Area

1989

October: Concerned volunteers participated in a "Housing Now" March and rally in solidarity with national march/rally to call attention to housing needs in America. The group formed a "Housing Now Coalition" in La Crosse which studied housing issues, gathered information, and visited local agencies working in this area. Contacted Habitat for Humanity International for information.

1990-1991

Decided to establish local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers worked on organizing as an affiliate, fund-raising, and met with the director of the regional Habitat office.

1992

January: Accepted officially as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity  International.

July: Broke ground for the first Habitat house in Onalaska

November: Onalaska home dedicated.

1993

December: Dedicated (rehab) State Street home.

1994

June: Dedicated (rehab) home on S. 19^th Street, La Crosse.

1996

April: Dedicated Gaarder Rd. home.

1997

March: Dedicated home on Wood St., La Crosse.

December: Double dedication - second house on Gaarder Rd., Holmen, and S. 20^th St., La Crosse

1999

January: Dedication - Bangor, WI

December: Dedication – Division Street, La Crosse

2001

January: Dedication 817 St. Cloud Street, La Crosse

July: Dedication 6325 Linwood Ct., La Crosse

2002

June: Dedication at Liberty Street

July: Dedication at 6325 Linwood Court, La Crosse

August: Dedication at Domke Street in Onalaska

2003

January: Dedication of Jackson Street house

June: Dedication of Rose Street house

2004

August: Dedication of 403 Prospect Street house

September: Dedication of 409 Prospect Street house

2005

March: Dedication of Hood Street house

2006

May: Dedication of Bangor, WI house (Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity)

October: Grand Opening of Habitat ReStore

December: Dedication of three homes on Fourth Street in La Crosse

2007

November: Dedication of first home the Hope Court neighborhood in Holmen (Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity)

2008

Two homes will be built; the second Hope Court home (Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity-sponsored )and a home at 1118 Liberty Street in La Crosse (in partnership with the City of La Crosse)

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