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Ray of Light

Creating Housing Solutions That Put People First

Shelter Development, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in La Crosse, WI. Our mission is to create local housing solutions that put people first and enrich our community.

Our Programs

theExchange – La Crosse Area Furniture Bank

Through the reuse of gently used furniture and household items, theExchange helps individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness or crisis create safe, functional living spaces.

Visit theExchange

Francis Homes

A housing initiative that provides short-term, affordable homes for families facing housing instability. Participants are referred by local social service agencies and supported throughout their journey toward stable housing.

Visit Francis Homes

About Shelter Development

Shelter Development began in 2015 with a small group of La Crosse residents who were concerned about the lack of affordable housing for vulnerable families in the community. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a local nonprofit focused on long-term housing stability and essential home furnishing programs.

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We believe that housing is foundational to well-being, and we work alongside local social service agencies to support families in crisis and help them move toward stability.

Group of hands raised together in unity, symbolizing community support and teamwork.

Shelter Development Board

Shelter Development is managed by a board of directors and an executive director. In addition, operations at theExchange are supported by a large team of volunteers, two employees, and an advisory committee.

Smiling senior woman outdoors with community members, representing housing stability and dignity.

Support
Our Mission

Your gift helps provide housing, furnishings, and hope to local families in need. 

Choose to support the Shelter Development organization, or designate your gift to support the Francis Homes, or theExchange program.

Making a Difference, One Home at a Time

Each year, we help hundreds of families access affordable housing and furnish their homes with dignity.

Contact Us

For general inquiries, please fill out our contact form and a member of our team will be in touch.

Shelves of lumber and supplies in a warehouse, showing resources for housing and furnishing programs.

LATEST NEWS

theExchange’s new truck is already making a big impact, helping us deliver more donations and reach more families across the community.

TheExchange - Fall 2025 Newsletter

theExchange’s new truck is already making a big impact, helping us deliver more donations and reach more families across the community.

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theExchange received the 2024 Wisconsin DNR Recycling Excellence Award for diverting over 45 tons of household items and providing essential furniture and appliances to more than 500 local households in need.

2024 Recycling Excellence Award

theExchange received the 2024 Wisconsin DNR Recycling Excellence Award for diverting over 45 tons of household items and providing essential furniture and appliances to more than 500 local households in need.

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This Year in Review showcases how theExchange partnered with local organizations to reuse donated items, providing furniture and household essentials to hundreds of community members in need.

2024 Year In Review

This Year in Review showcases how theExchange partnered with local organizations to reuse donated items, providing furniture and household essentials to hundreds of community members in need.

Read More
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