Couleecap.org
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1966
- HeadquartersWestby, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
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.
Couleecap.org firmographics
Firmographics- 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
Couleecap.org industry classification
Industry- 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
Where Couleecap.org is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Westby
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Couleecap.org business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- 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.
- 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).
- Resale Shop Revenue: The Bargain Boutique resale shop sells donated gently used clothing and household goods, with proceeds supporting Couleecap programs.
- 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
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Prairie Eco Cottages affordable rental housing |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | HOMES Program energy efficiency rebates |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | HEAR Program appliance and electrification rebates |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Bargain Boutique resale shop |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Annual Golf Outing fundraiser registration |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Medical Skills nursing student assistance |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels9 records
Couleecap.org product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use Couleecap.org
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Couleecap.org technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Couleecap.org partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- CAP ServicescoreCouleecap 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 PeoplecoreHaven 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 CorporationcorePartnership 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 ServicescoreParamark Real Estate Services is the property manager for Prairie Eco Cottages and Haven on Main affordable housing developments.
- Pathways HomeminorLocal partner organization collaborating with Couleecap to expand access to supportive housing and meet growing demand across the four-county service area.
- Vernon Electric CooperativecorePartnership 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 CharitiescoreCatholic 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 CountycoreLa 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)minorGLADC 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
Couleecap.org competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad 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
Couleecap.org social profiles
Digital presenceCouleecap.org financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Couleecap.org leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Couleecap.org funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Couleecap.org M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Couleecap.org
What does Couleecap.org do?
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).
Is Couleecap.org a public or private company?
Couleecap.org is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Couleecap.org founded?
Couleecap.org was founded in 1966. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Couleecap.org based?
Couleecap.org is headquartered in Westby, United States, in the North America region.
How does Couleecap.org make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Government Grants and Contracts are the primary driver. The others are individual and Corporate Donations, resale Shop Revenue and affordable Housing Rentals.
Who are Couleecap.org's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Catholic Charities USA and Habitat for Humanity International. Direct peers are West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency, CAP Services, Indianhead Community Action Agency, Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin and Western Dairyland Community Action Agency. Others are LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) and Scenic Bluffs Community Health Center.
Does Couleecap.org have an API?
No public API is recorded for Couleecap.org.
What industry is Couleecap.org in?
Couleecap.org's product category is Community Social Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAC, Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts). Its NAICS code is 6242 and its SIC code is 8300.