Lakeshore CAP (Community Action) assistance programs.
Resources are available from Lakeshore CAP. The community action agency will offer direct financial and and access to other support services. All of this is done after the applicant's needs and goals have been identified.
The programs are available across Manitowoc, Door, Sheboygan and Kewaunee Counties. Whether it is a housing crisis, lack of food, and employment services needed, the non-profit may be able to help.
Assistance for food and nutrition
When it comes to addressing hunger, there are applications to Wisconsin’s Food Share – SNAP program. This helps many low-income families by paying for a portion of their food. It can also help them avoid losing their homes by supplementing their scarce cash resources. There are even other low income government food programs.
Assistance is available from the government in the form of EBT benefit cards that can be used to purchase grocderies food. Cash is then freed up as a result. It may then be used to pay other expenses, such as rent, utility payments, and transportation costs, which are areas of vulnerability for low-income households.
Housing assistance programs from Lakeshore CAP
Lakeshore CAP’s Emergency Housing Program is the first step toward solving a crisis. Clients can get help in finding the right programs to assist them during their time of need. It is offered for the low-income in Kewaunee, Door and Manitowoc County. There is aid for tenants who have lost or are at risk of losing their homes due to inability to pay rent.
Lakeshore CAP offers several options that address specific needs, whether you need emergency rental assistance, security deposit help for rapid rehousing, or another type of programming. Everything offered will assist with retention of current housing or with locating suitable new homes or apartments.
The community action agency will also work in partnership with community service agencies to ensure that all who are in need are placed in safe, affordable housing somewhere in counties such as Sheboygan or Manitowoc. The process begins with an initial interview of the applicant, the results of which are used to determine whether one of the programs or a local partner is the best fit.
The Homebuyer Education Program at Lakeshore CAP assists income-eligible households who are interested in purchasing homes. In the first step of the buying process, applicants are required to participate in workshops. Once that step is completed, the agency may be able to offer a direct, low or no-interest-rate loan for a down payment. The money can pay for a portion of closing costs or even the acquisition costs.
Lakeshore CAP’s Down Payment Assistance Program may be able to assist qualifying clients with gathering funds needed for the up front expenses on a home purchase. Completion of the credit counseling, Homebuyer's Workshop, and financial literacy courses are required prior to accessing this assistance.
Parenting resources
In partnership with the Early Years Outcomes Project of Wisconsin, the Strength-Based Home Visitation Program from Lakeshore CAP assists first-time parents of children from birth to age three years. Staff that are part of the agency will hold weekly in-home visits.
Part of this is a voluntary program known as Strength-Based Home Visitation. This service is based on Parents as Teachers and is an evidence-based curriculum that revolves around activities supporting child growth and development in the home. Activities coordinated are based on several key areas that influence the well-being of children, which include health, home safety, home environment, parent-child interaction and developmental assessments. There are also free items passed out, including diapers or baby wipes for low income parents.
Self-sufficiency including employment services
The Community Response Program at Lakeshore Family Resources helps families who need a little extra support as they care for their children. It meets this goal by providing them with access to community resources. Clients can learn about everything from financial aid to opportunities that address identified needs and goals.
The Coordinated Services Team from Lakeshore CAP uses a strength-based wraparound approach to meeting the needs of children and families in Sheboygan and Door County. The family is viewed as a team that works as a unit to develop a plan of action to achieve their goals.
To be eligible for this service, a family must express willingness to participate. They can also reside in Manitowoc County and have members between the ages of zero and seventeen years who are currently placed in or are at risk for out-of home placement. The client also needs to be involved in at least two of the following systems, including Mental Health (therapy and/or medication management), Juvenile Justice, Special Education, Child Protective Services, or ADOA.
Lakeshore CAP Skills Enhancement addresses the needs and goals of income-eligible residents. It is for the working poor in Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Door, or Sheboygan County who are employed at least 20 hours per week. It works according to a holistic approach that takes into account all areas of life.
All services are individually tailored and confidential. Staff members work confidentially and individually with each client to provide technical assistance with job skill activities, develop a training plan and make connections with other resources and emotional supports as the client works toward his or her goals.
Available opportunities from the community action agency include the exploration of career options that include non-traditional jobs, even including online jobs. Staff will also review the person's ability to attend school on a part-time basis to fit in with a work schedule. Other programs provide on-the-job development of new or enhanced skills; and the potential to earn more and gain access to employer-sponsored health insurance. In addition, the community action agency may provide financial assistance for training-related childcare, tuition, fees, textbooks, or local transportation.
The Business Incubator is an innovative service. It is part of Lakeshore CAP’s efforts toward increasing employment as well as economic self-sufficiency in the service area through the creation of opportunities.
The incubator is offered in conjunction with our community partners. It was set up to be a low-cost space that provides founders with greater access to resources for business development. These resources can include the free use of conference and kitchen facilities; computers for Internet service; mail receipt and technical assistance, such as business classes and assistance with loan preparation.
Locations of Lakeshore CAP offices
Families need to contact an office in their town or county. The sites are below.
Manitowoc County - 702 State St., PO Box 2315, Manitowoc, WI 54220, call 920-682-3737
Sheboygan County office is at 2508 South 8th St., Sheboygan, WI 53081. Telephone - 920-803-6991
Door County - 131 S. 3rd Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235-0791. Phone – 920-743-0192.
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