Give Warmth Campaign Questions, Answered!
November 28, 2023
| By Megan Pierce, Donor Services Director |
Last week La Crosse Community Foundation and Great Rivers United Way announced the “Give Warmth” campaign, a collaborative fundraising effort to address a critical need: keeping our neighbors sheltered and safe during the cold months ahead. We are impressed by the great response and have received some thoughtful questions that we want to ensure are answered!
How will the funds raised during the Give Warmth campaign be divided between the partnering organizations of the REACH Center?
Each week direct service staff from local nonprofits with housing services come together in one space at the REACH Center to collaboratively respond to cases and serve the emergency needs of walk-in consumers facing homelessness. The funds raised on GivingTuesday will be available to this group of professionals to provide timely help to those who need it. Funds will be used for things like car repairs, employment uniforms, short term residence vouchers, and childcare. At this time, there is no other source of flexible funding in our community that meets this need. Direct service staff has found that the ability to provide immediate crises relief goes a long way in keeping individuals sheltered.
What is the REACH Center and where is it?
The REACH Center is a one stop location for individuals experiencing homelessness or on the brink of homelessness to receive resources. Representatives from all local agencies serving the unhoused population have space in the REACH Center including Couleecap, La Crosse Area Family Collaborative, Independent Living Resources, La Crosse school district, La Crosse Area YMCA, New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, YWCA of La Crosse. Every Tuesday representatives from these organizations meet to determine how each organization can best serve our community. The REACH Center is located at 212 11th ST S, STE 1 La Crosse, WI 54601.
What organizations participate in the collaborative effort and will utilize the funds from Giving Tuesday?
While other organizations may attend as needed or refer others, these are the organizations who consistently attend weekly meetings at the REACH Center to address the immediate needs of our neighbors and will be utilizing funds to fill gaps that if left unmet, can easily lead to homelessness.
- Couleecap
- Independent Living Resources
- La Crosse Area Family Collaborative
- La Crosse school district
- La Crosse Area YMCA
- New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers
- Salvation Army
- YWCA La Crosse
- Catholic Charities
Should I give to the Give Warmth campaign or directly to my favorite nonprofit organization?
We hope you can consider supporting both! When you give directly to your favorite local nonprofit you are supporting the specific mission and programs of that organization. The Give Warmth campaign is a unique initiative in La Crosse where 9 organizations collaboratively work together to meet the timely and most pressing needs of our unhoused community members. This population includes families, veterans, senior citizens, and children. The Give Warmth campaign funding is flexible and easily accessible by direct service case managers of the partner organizations so resources can be provided to those they serve in the moment. This assistance is beyond what can currently be provided by our local housing organizations.
When does the triple match start?
Today! When you give on GivingTuesday, Tuesday, November 28 your gift will be triple matched by La Crosse Community Foundation and Great Rivers United Way up to the first $10,000.
How does a tribute donation work?
Are you looking for the perfect gift and want to make a positive impact in your community? We have a great idea for you! Make a tribute donation in honor of someone special in your life, and we’ll send them a personalized “Give Warmth” card to let them know about the thoughtful gift made in their name. It’s a beautiful way to spread warmth and kindness this season. When you give online be sure to include the gift recipients’ name and contact information.
Where and how can I give?
Please visit the Give Warmth campaign website. You can make a gift with a credit card or PayPal. There is also a text-to-give option. You can find out more on the campaign website.
What impact will I make by participating in the Give Warmth campaign?