Program areas at CAC
Housing security:cac provides tailored housing solutions across three counties, helping individuals and families secure stable, reliable shelter and improve their quality of life. In 2023, we assisted 29,790 people through housing assistance, case management, and intake services, including preventing eviction for 3,524 households, supporting 122 veteran households, and securing temporary housing for 32 individuals. Through our reducing school mobility initiatives, we work closely with local school districts to identify families in need, offering financial assistance for rent and utilities, while our caseworkers provide ongoing support to help them achieve long-term housing stability. In 2023, these programs served over 200 individuals, including 170 children.
Community programs:cac provides vital health assistance, financial literacy courses, educational resources, and career services, alongside our winter glow program that offers winter clothing. In 2023, we distributed coats, clothing, and personal care items to 1,808 individuals and facilitated access to covid-19 vaccinations for 541 people. Additionally, our mental health and trauma recovery program supports healthcare workers by addressing the long-term mental health impacts of the covid-19 pandemic, aiming to reduce burnout, promote wellness, and support these essential workers. The program also fosters wellness careers and provides resources like peer support and mental health first aid training to strengthen Community resilience.
Food security programs:cac creates access to nutrition for those most in need by providing food to pantries at no cost. Through our double dollars program, snap participants receive an additional $20 per day for locally grown food at farmers markets. Our local food purchase assistance program (lfpa) allows us to provide fresh, locally sourced dairy and meat to pantries, while our culturally appropriate foods initiative ensures that bipoc Community members have access to familiar, culturally relevant items. In 2023, cac distributed over 3 million pounds of food to pantries and shelters, feeding 751,340 food-insecure individuals across dane, jefferson, and waukesha counties, and provided 7,343 stockboxes with shelf-stable, nutritious food to individuals over 60.