Jefferson County assistance programs

Organizations that provide resources and services

Crossroads House and the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Inc. are two local non-profit organizations and charities that provide families and individuals with resources and programs that can help them with rent, utility and heating bills, and other expenses as well as provide them with cash grants.

Rental Assistance Program

Crossroads House offers rent help and eviction prevention resources to local families. Under this program, the organizations does it best to prevent evictions that are imminent and that would otherwise lead to someone becoming homeless. The organization has received increased funding and they have recently qualified for several additional federal government grants and other funding from the federal government stimulus program. The additional funding they have received will allow them to provide increasing amounts of support to people who are in danger of or who have lost their housing due to a sudden and immediate loss of income, such as layoffs, reduction in income, plant closures or business cutbacks. This rental assistance program has been very successful in maintaining individuals in their current homes and apartments while they surmount some of the temporary economic hurdles that life has placed in their path. Call the local community action agency at (608) 246-4730 x217 and ask for help from Crossroads House, as the two groups partner together.

 

 

 

Emergency and Crisis Assistance

In addition to the rent help mentioned above, the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin is another place for people to turn to in order to get aid and resources that can help them pay bills. They also offer grants as well. The CAC community action agency offers local residents several short-term emergency assistance programs and crisis grants to people who live Jefferson County. Here is just a sampling of some of what they offer. Contact them at 114 East Main Street, Watertown, Wisconsin. Their phone number is (920) 262-9667.

Heating and utility bills assistance. They can also refer people to both federal government LIHEAP programs, as well as advise local on how to get help from utility companies themselves.

• Debt and credit counseling - While they can provide a little of this themselves, they can also advise people on their best options for debt help, including debt management plans and how to get government help for debt.
• Grants and funds for automobile repairs. They may even be able to refer people to agencies and programs that will provide them with low interest loans for new and used car purchases.
• Free household items, such as diapers, clothing, cleaning supplies, and more. 
• Moving expense assistance, as well as grants and funding that can be used to pay for first months rent.
• Employment assistance - They offer job training programs and other resources that can both help people find jobs, or learn new skills that will make them more valuable to employers.