About Shelter Development

Shelter Development began with a small group of La Crosse residents concerned about the lack of affordable housing for vulnerable families in the community. In 2015, they formally registered as a nonprofit with the goal of purchasing or accepting donated houses suitable for these families. Founders Nancy Gerrard, Chuck Berendes, and Rick Staff were later joined by Roger LeGrand and Mary Ann Gerrard to form the first board of directors.

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The board partnered with local social service agencies to identify eligible families. These agencies also provide case management support to help families develop the skills and experience needed for long-term success.

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The homes that became part of this program were named Francis Homes, in tribute to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration—early supporters of strategies to help the unsheltered in La Crosse. The Francis Homes program focuses on prevention by providing safe, affordable housing for families at risk of homelessness while they work on stabilizing their living situation.

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theExchange began with a small group of dedicated volunteers who wanted to help families transitioning out of homelessness and poverty. In 2016, four women—Sheila Riley, Mary Mueller, Joan Waniger, and Cindy Sahlstrom—started collecting donations of furniture and household goods from the community. They later formally organized as theExchange La Crosse Area Furniture Bank, which joined with Shelter Development, Inc. in October 2016.