October 30th is traditionally celebrated as National Weatherization Day to shine a light on the positive impact the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has on low-income households and our local communities.  Many events were held across the country to celebrate a program that reduces energy burden for low income households, while also improving the health and safety of the homes. WAP also supports 8,500 jobs nationwide, many of these at small businesses in our local communities. West CAP’s Weatherization Program exists to … Read More

“When I first contacted West CAP for help, I was a struggling single mom juggling two jobs and trying to go back to school. I found out about the program through one of my instructors and made the call the next day. Stephanie Stark, Adult Education Coordinator, has been amazing with helping every step of the way including after graduation. This program not only took away the financial burden, but made it possible for me to focus on school and … Read More

Prairie Heights Residences in Eau Claire, a collaborative development by West CAP and Gerrard Corporation, officially opened its doors on July 2nd, marking a significant milestone for sustainable and affordable living in Wisconsin. This development introduces geothermal heating and cooling as a first-of-its-kind feature for an affordable housing project in the state. Beyond its cutting-edge energy system, the project covers 100% of all utilities, including air conditioning and electricity, directly reducing the financial burden on its residents. West CAP Executive … Read More

GLENWOOD CITY, WI – The White House released its fiscal 2026 spending plan earlier this month, which proposes the elimination of numerous federal programs, including the USDA’s Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). The news came in a memo from the Administration’s Office of Management and Budget, also known as a “skinny budget”, that lists a host of recommendations on the reduction or elimination of discretionary funding for fiscal year 2026. The CSFP program works to improve the health of low-income … Read More

Our Executive Director, Tim Mather, and Associate Director, Samantha Phillipps spent a couple days down at the Wisconsin State Capitol on April 8th & 9th for the annual WISCAP Advocacy Day! This annual event gives Community Action professionals the opportunity to come together and meet with state senators and representatives to discuss issues related to poverty in our districts. Tim and Sam also gave a presentation with Couleecap Director, Hetti Brown, on Housing & Energy Solutions for Wisconsin as part … Read More

We are looking for monetary donations to purchase household essentials for our Homeless Intervention program. This program provides case management to help homeless individuals and families find affordable and stable housing across seven WI counties. The worst feeling for our case managers is finding a client a place to live after they have been on the street or living in their car and they are brought to an empty unit with no essentials. Funds will allow our case management staff … Read More

In late March, it was announced that $500M in Commodity Credit Corporation funding is now cut for foodbanks and emergency food providers, which is allocated through the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Read an article announcing the cuts here. This is one of the three main ways that The Emergency Food Assistance Program receives food to feed food-insecure individuals and families across the nation. These cuts will affect the food supply at area food banks, including those West CAP … Read More

GLENWOOD CITY, Wis – A program that keeps Wisconsinites safe by ensuring homes stay warm and cool during extreme temperatures is at risk after abrupt actions by the federal government. In early April, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) fired all employees of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, which helps residents pay heating bills and address energy emergencies. LIHEAP provides energy assistance to low-income households with high energy costs. The program ensures energy security, prevents … Read More