According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, reports from the 2014–15 school year showed that there are around 250 students in La Crosse County that are considered homeless. The Family and Children’s Center has started a program designed to help youth ages 16–21, Host Homes for Homeless Youth. This is a community-based program that works to remove the daily crisis for these youth by having hosts willing to open their homes to provide shelter, food, and positive support.

A host must be at least 21 years old, have an accommodating space in their home for a youth, have lived in La Crosse County for at least one year, and complete and pass an application and interview process with the program social worker. Hosting is voluntary, therefore, no stipend is given. 

If you would like more information or are interested in becoming a host home, visit www.fcconline.org and select the Host Home Program tab or contact Chrystal Stegen, program social worker, at 608-785-0001 ext. 313 or cstegen@fccnetwork.org.

Enjoy a roast beef dinner at the Holy Trinity Mardi Gras party on Saturday, Jan. 16, at the American Legion Post 52 on Sixth and Market Streets in La Crosse. 

The roast beef dinner is from 4:30–7 p.m., followed by a Mardi Gras bowling-themed party from 7–11 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for the dinner and party, $25 for two tickets to the dinner and party, or $5 at the door for the party only. 

Tickets are available at the American Legion or the Holy Trinity Parish office at 1333 S. 13th Street in La Crosse. Raffle tickets, which are $1 each or six for $5, are available at the Holy Trinity Parish office. All proceeds support Aquinas Catholic Schools and Catholic Education through Holy Trinity.

 For more information, contact Holy Trinity at 608-782-2028 or email holytrinitypar@charter.net.