 Dear Friends,
As we welcome 2026, we pause with deep gratitude for the compassion, partnership, and generosity you shared with Benjamin’s House throughout 2025. Because of you, our shelter remained a place of warmth, safety, and new beginnings for individuals and families facing homelessness during one of the most challenging years we’ve seen. We are especially thankful to share encouraging news as we enter the new year. Benjamin’s House was recently awarded a WHEDA grant, providing a portion of the funding needed to update our heating and hot water systems. This critical support helps ensure we do not have to take rooms out of commission during the winter months and allows us to maintain stability for our guests. While this grant brings us closer, we are still working toward the $120,000 total needed to complete the project.  You are invited to a special evening in support of Benjamin’s House and our mission to help those experiencing homelessness in our community.
 This Thanksgiving, we are especially grateful for our donors, volunteers, business partners, and every individual who makes Benjamin’s House possible. Your support allows us to provide safety, stability, and hope to those experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, domestic violence, and unexpected crises.
 Be Part of Change & Hope Street Eats is right around the corner — happening Saturday, September 13 — and we couldn’t be more excited!
 As the only emergency shelter within a one-hour radius, we uniquely address the challenges of rural homelessness, where resources are scarce and lives hang in the balance.
In 2024 through the end of September, we have had the privilege of serving 142 individuals, including 114 adults, 28 children, 20 seniors, and 6 veterans, providing a safe haven and a chance for a fresh start. Since our doors opened in 2011 through the end of September 2024, we have delivered an astounding 83,800 bed nights to 1,548 individuals, helping those break free from the cycle of homelessness.  Dear Church Leaders, Volunteers, and Faith Partners,
As we step into this new season, I am excited to share some updates and progress from Benjamin's House. Even at full capacity, our team remains dedicated to enhancing and expanding our services. One of our major milestones is the successful launch of our expanded continued care housing program, now operating in the former 'Warming House.' After installing a new fire system in 2024 and receiving approval from RLFD this summer, we welcomed a family into the space the very next day—an exciting achievement that allows us to serve even more people in need.  April is National Volunteer Month
From its beginnings in 2011, the board of directors has strived to help break the stigma of homelessness in our rural communities. It has been almost two years now since we purchased the former convent and all property on the east side of Heart Island Parkway. We have new spaces for our Continued Care Housing Program residents. We have a garage to house our van and lawn care equipment. We are very thankful. For Immediate Release: Benjamin’s House Expands Mission with Heart Island Property Acquisition7/8/2022
 On July 8, 2022, Benjamin's House took ownership of the east half of Heart Island, which includes the existing shelter, the old chapel (Heart Island Enrichment Center), the old rectory (formerly the warming shelter), and the Guest House. The transfer was an opportunity for the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, to create a legacy as Benjamin's House follows their mission to serve the poor and those in need.
 As part of the Feed My People Food Rescue Program, Kwik Trip Stores help save millions of pounds of good and edible goods from ending up in landfills each year. The local Rice Lake stores donate perishable items that have been pulled from their shelves and distribute this food to Benjamin’s House Emergency Shelter.
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