Couleecap.org

What Couleecap.org does

Couleecap, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community action agency founded in 1966 during the national War on Poverty movement, headquartered in Westby, Wisconsin and serving low-income individuals and families across Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon counties in Southwest Wisconsin. The organization operates more than 252 programs spanning housing (shelter, rental, homebuyer assistance, weatherization, home repairs), energy services (LIHEAP/WHEAP, HVAC repair and replacement, community solar, IRA Home Energy Rebates), food assistance, education and skills support, transportation (Work-N-Wheels), and homeless prevention through Rapid Rehousing and Housing First Permanent Supportive Housing. Cumulatively it has served over one million individuals and currently delivers services to thousands of households annually, including 9,680 households through LIHEAP in program year 2024. Leadership is provided by Executive Director Hetti Brown with a workforce of 51-100, governed by a tri-sector board of 18-24 members.

The portfolio includes owned affordable-housing real estate (Prairie Eco Cottages: 24 solar-powered units in Prairie du Chien; Haven on Main: 70-unit inclusive accessible apartment complex in downtown La Crosse scheduled for September 2026 completion; Prairie Homes workforce housing; and the Coulee Community Land Trust) plus energy infrastructure including the 218-panel REACH Center rooftop solar system (146,598 kW/year first-year production, $18,000+ annual electricity savings) and the 1.5 MW Bluff Prairie Community Solar Farm with 550 low-income subscriptions. The HOMES Home Efficiency Rebate Program tiers funding based on energy-modeled savings projections (100% coverage up to $5,000 at 20-34% savings, up to $10,000 at 35%+), and the HEAR program caps appliance and electrification rebates at $14,000 per household. Direct service channels include four county offices, the REACH Center co-located walk-in hub, and in-home delivery by an owned energy services crew supplemented by IRA-registered contractors.

Revenue is generated primarily through federal and state government grants and contracts (HUD, DOE, LIHEAP/WHEAP, Community Services Block Grant, WHEDA Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation, Focus on Energy), supplemented by individual and corporate donations (tax-deductible under EIN 39-1077614), below-market rental income from affordable housing units ($478-$990/month at Prairie Eco Cottages), and proceeds from the Bargain Boutique nonprofit resale shop. Programs are priced at no cost or subsidized rates for households earning at or below 60-80% of area median income, with the Education and Skills Support tier providing up to $25,000 over three years to qualifying nursing students. In 2026 the organization divested its Business Development Program to CAP Services to refocus on housing, energy, and homeless services, while expanding through new housing developments and WHEAP territory administration.

Name

Couleecap.org

Legal name

Couleecap, Inc.

Website

https://couleecap.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Couleecap, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community action agency founded in 1966 that serves low-income individuals and families across four counties in Southwest Wisconsin with integrated housing, energy, food, education, transportation, and homeless-prevention programs, operating owned affordable-housing real estate and direct service channels through four county offices and the REACH Center.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Social Services

NAICS

Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Community Housing Services (62422), Community Food Services (62421), Other Community Housing Services (624229)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340)

akta.pro primary industry

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)

Keywords

• Community action services
• Affordable housing programs
• Energy assistance programs
• Weatherization services
• Homeless support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Westby

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Contracts: Couleecap is primarily funded through federal and state government programs including HUD (Housing and Urban Development), LIHEAP/WHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program), Community Services Block Grant, and state energy programs. Funding supports housing development, weatherization, energy assistance, and homeless prevention services.
2. Individual and Corporate Donations: Monetary donations from individuals, memorial and tribute gifts, matching gifts, recurring donations, stock donations, wills and bequests. Corporate matching gift programs are promoted. Donations are tax-deductible (EIN 39-1077614).
3. Resale Shop Revenue: The Bargain Boutique resale shop sells donated gently used clothing and household goods, with proceeds supporting Couleecap programs.
4. Affordable Housing Rentals: Rental income from affordable housing units including Prairie Eco Cottages (Prairie du Chien) and participation in housing programs where rents are set below market rate for income-qualified tenants.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Couleecap is a community action nonprofit providing affordable rental housing, home weatherization, energy and water bill assistance, food assistance, education and workforce training, and homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing services to low-income households across Southwest Wisconsin. Its standalone sellable offerings include weatherization retrofits, HVAC repair/replacement, community solar subscriptions, the Coulee Community Land Trust, and named affordable housing communities (Haven on Main, Prairie Eco Cottages, Prairie Homes).

Product overview

Couleecap is a nonprofit community action agency offering a comprehensive portfolio of poverty relief programs across Southwest Wisconsin. The organization operates multiple housing developments (Haven on Main, Prairie Eco Cottages, Prairie Homes), energy services (weatherization, HVAC, community solar, HOMES/HEAR rebates), food assistance, education/skills support, transportation (Work-N-Wheels), and homeless prevention programs (Rapid Rehousing, Permanent Supportive Housing). The core service model combines direct assistance delivery with housing development, energy efficiency programs, and economic mobility services. Major housing developments include solar-powered affordable housing (Prairie Eco Cottages) and accessible housing for adults with disabilities (Haven on Main).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Haven on Main: A visionary housing initiative providing 70 units of inclusive, accessible apartments in downtown La Crosse for adults with disabilities and non-disabled residents. A partnership with Haven for Special People and Gerrard Corporation.
• Prairie Eco Cottages
• REACH Center
• Coulee Community Land Trust
• Bargain Boutique
• The Collective

Products and services

• Haven on Main Affordable rental housing community developed and operated by Couleecap for income-eligible households in Southwest Wisconsin.
• Prairie Eco Cottages Eco-focused affordable cottage rental housing community operated by Couleecap for low-income households.
• Prairie Homes Affordable single-family-style rental homes operated by Couleecap as part of its rental housing portfolio.
• Coulee Community Land Trust Community land trust program stewarding permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for income-qualified buyers.
• Weatherization Assistance Program Federal DOE-funded home weatherization service delivering insulation, air sealing, and energy-efficiency retrofits to income-eligible households.
• HOMES/HEAR Energy Rebate Programs State-administered HOMES and HEAR rebate programs assisting qualifying households with energy-efficiency upgrades and electrification rebates.
• Energize Wisconsin Community Solar Community solar subscription program delivered in partnership with Energize Wisconsin, allowing qualifying households to receive bill credits from shared solar generation.
• HVAC Repair and Replacement Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning repair and replacement services for income-eligible households tied to home energy programs.
• Water Assistance Program State water assistance funding program administered through Couleecap to help income-eligible households pay water and wastewater bills.
• Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) State WHEAP-administered heating and cooling bill assistance, furnace repair/replacement, and energy crisis support delivered to income-eligible households.
• Home Repairs Program Home repair services for income-eligible homeowners addressing health, safety, and accessibility issues in their residences.
• Food Assistance Program Food assistance program providing food support, pantry referrals, and nutrition resources to low-income households in the service region.
• Bargain Boutique Resale Shop Nonprofit resale/secondhand retail store operated by Couleecap that generates revenue for programs and provides low-cost goods to the community.
• The Collective on Main Community commercial enterprise operated by Couleecap to support local economic activity and small business incubation.
• Business Development Program Business development and small-business support services delivered by Couleecap to aspiring and existing low-income entrepreneurs.
• Education and Skills Support Education, adult literacy, and skills-building services for low-income individuals seeking to improve employability and self-sufficiency.
• Medical Skills Program Workforce training program preparing low-income participants for careers in the medical field.
• Work-N-Wheels Vehicle assistance program that helps low-income workers obtain reliable transportation to maintain or obtain employment.
• SOAR Program SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) program assisting eligible individuals apply for and maintain Social Security disability benefits.
• Disaster Recovery Program Disaster recovery case management, temporary housing, and rehousing services delivered after declared natural disasters.
• Rapid Rehousing Time-limited rental assistance and case management that helps households quickly exit homelessness into permanent housing.
• Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Permanent housing paired with voluntary supportive services for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness.
• Thriving Families of La Crosse County Trauma-informed case management and supportive services program for families in La Crosse County seeking stability and self-sufficiency.
• Coordination Plan for the Coulee Region Homeless Coalition Regional coordination plan operated by Couleecap to align homeless response services across the Coulee Region (La Crosse County jurisdiction).

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1 million people helped with housing, food, energy, and support since 1966
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CAP ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 January 2026Couleecap transitioned its business development programming to CAP Services, which will expand business coaching and lending services to entrepreneurs in the Coulee Region. CAP Services has served Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca, Marquette, and Waushara counties since 1966.
• Haven for Special PeoplecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 September 2025Haven for Special People, a group of parents, educators, and advocates for adults with disabilities, partnered with Couleecap and Gerrard Corporation to develop Haven on Main, a 70-unit inclusive apartment complex in downtown La Crosse. Haven for Special People originated the project vision.
• Gerrard CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 2025Partnership to develop Prairie Eco Cottages (24 affordable housing units in Prairie du Chien) and Haven on Main ($23.5M accessible housing development). Gerrard Corporation is a development and real estate company headquartered in La Crosse, recognized with the 2022 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award.
• Paramark Real Estate ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 April 2025Paramark Real Estate Services is the property manager for Prairie Eco Cottages and Haven on Main affordable housing developments.
• Pathways HomeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Local partner organization collaborating with Couleecap to expand access to supportive housing and meet growing demand across the four-county service area.
• Vernon Electric CooperativecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 September 2024Partnership with Vernon Electric Cooperative and Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation to launch Energize Wisconsin, providing free community solar energy credits to 550 low-income households through the 1.5-megawatt Bluff Prairie Community Solar Farm.
• Catholic CharitiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Catholic Charities partners with Couleecap and La Crosse County in the Thriving Families of La Crosse County initiative to provide low-barrier, safe, stable housing for families experiencing homelessness for up to two years with case management services.
• La Crosse CountycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024La Crosse County collaborates with Couleecap and Catholic Charities in the Thriving Families initiative, providing case management and supportive services. La Crosse County is also a funding partner for Haven on Main.
• Greater La Crosse Area Diversity Council (GLADC)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024GLADC is a partner for inclusive talent recruitment and DEI initiatives. Couleecap shares job postings with nearly 40 local organizations to reach diverse candidates.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Catholic Charities USA: National nonprofit operating extensive social services including supportive housing, food, and case management. Catholic Charities of La Crosse is a direct partner in the Thriving Families initiative, indicating overlapping service delivery and funding streams.
• Habitat for Humanity International: National affordable homeownership nonprofit. Overlaps with Couleecap's Coulee Community Land Trust and Prairie Homes workforce development offerings, and addresses the same low-income housing stability problem.

Direct peers

• West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency: Wisconsin CAA serving Pierce, Polk, St. Croix, and Dunn counties with multi-county anti-poverty programs including housing, energy assistance, and Head Start — closely comparable rural service delivery model.
• CAP Services: Wisconsin community action agency serving Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca, Marquette, and Waushara counties since 1966. Recently absorbed Couleecap's Business Development Program, indicating comparable programmatic scope and operational model as a fellow CAA.
• Indianhead Community Action Agency: Wisconsin CAA serving northwestern counties with a comparable rural service mix of housing, energy, weatherization, food, and Head Start programming under the federal CAA framework.
• Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program: Wisconsin CAA serving Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, and Richland counties — bordering Couleecap's territory and operating a parallel anti-poverty portfolio including weatherization, food, housing, and family services.
• Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin: Wisconsin CAA serving Dane, Jefferson, and Waukesha counties; comparable anti-poverty mission and CAA funding model, but operating in a more urbanized territory with larger program scale.
• Western Dairyland Community Action Agency: Wisconsin CAA serving Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson, and Trempealeau counties with a similar mix of housing, energy, weatherization, food, and family services in a rural Western Wisconsin footprint.

Others

• LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation): National community development financial institution funding affordable housing and community development in underserved markets. Operates in many of the same Wisconsin geographies and could be a capital partner or comparable funder for Couleecap's housing pipeline.
• Scenic Bluffs Community Health Center: Federally qualified health center co-operating the REACH Center in La Crosse alongside Couleecap and YWCA La Crosse. Adjacent ecosystem participant serving overlapping low-income populations in Southwest Wisconsin.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Couleecap
• YouTubeyoutube.com/couleecap
• Facebookfacebook.com/couleecap
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/couleecap-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Couleecap.org