Erin Duffer

This Specialized Housing Plan aims to achieve functional zero homelessness by determining the right combination of housing and support services. It prioritizes diverse, low-barrier housing options categorized by the level of support required, including 24/7 care, intensive, moderate, and light/no case management. The plan leverages system-wide data to forecast needs, monitors progress through a public dashboard, and relies on extensive collaboration with local agencies and community partners to ensure individuals are quickly placed and supported for long-term stability, with a goal to fill a projected specialized housing gap by 2028 and reach functional zero by 2029.

This strategic plan, titled 'Pathways Home,' is a five-year initiative launched in January 2024, led by the City of La Crosse and La Crosse County, aimed at ending homelessness in the City of La Crosse. The plan's strategic direction involves local government coordination, resource and policy alignment, and a fundamental shift to an indoor service orientation, enforcing that outdoor living is not an option. Key phases include aligning existing systems, building shelter and housing capacity, and sustaining gains through prevention and community norms. The plan sets concrete goals of achieving zero individuals living on the street and homelessness functional zero, ensuring local resources are preserved for local residents.

This document outlines the 'Pathways Home' initiative, a joint homelessness response by La Crosse County and the City of La Crosse, aiming to achieve functional zero homelessness by 2029. The initiative focuses on making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring through coordinated services, partnerships with landlords and nonprofits, and the development of specialized housing units. Key achievements include unlocking significant grant funding, housing over 240 individuals, launching a specialized homelessness team, and reducing homelessness by 27% since November 2024, while maintaining a 90%+ housing retention rate.

The presentation outlines a 10-year multifaceted plan for opioid abatement in La Crosse County, utilizing opioid settlement funds. It focuses on reversing overdoses, expanding treatment and wrap-around services, enhancing connections to support systems, and implementing prevention strategies. The plan prioritizes addressing service gaps in the justice system, child protective services, and community treatment, with an emphasis on improving coordination among local services. Key initiatives include substance abuse assessments and medication-assisted treatment in the jail, home visiting services for at-risk families, and support for community alliances to coordinate access to treatment and support.

The La Crosse County Strategic Plan Report Card Q1 2025 focuses on economic growth, community satisfaction, employee engagement, housing, and environmental stewardship. Key outcomes include increasing internet access, launching highway construction, connecting people to Medicaid and FoodShare, embedding leadership competencies, addressing homelessness, reducing carbon footprint, and completing a housing study. The plan also emphasizes continuous improvement through AI, data-driven decision-making, staff investment, and exceptional communication.