Local jail-ministry program Fill the Cracks reports 179 clients, seeks nonprofit funding

Deacon Greg Miller of Saint Patrick Parish presented Fill the Cracks, a faith-based reentry program that provides immediate transitional housing, transportation, food and referral coordination for people released from the St. Croix County Jail.

Miller said the program began serving clients in December 2024 and has enrolled roughly 179 clients. "Our average daily cost right now is about a $150," he said, noting the program primarily secures weekly motel rates and relies on volunteers and partner agencies for wraparound services. Miller described intake as often urgent — sometimes having only hours' notice — and said the program works closely with jail staff and liaisons so volunteers can meet clients upon release.

Miller said Fill the Cracks is currently operating under Saint Patrick Parish’s 501(c)(3) and is seeking its own nonprofit status and grant funding; he set an informal fundraising goal of about $170,000–$200,000 by mid‑2027. He described partnerships with regional providers (Christ Recovery Center, Union Gospel Mission, Salvation Army) and recommended continued coordination with the Department of Corrections for longer-term reentry planning. County staff thanked Miller and said the program has filled a service gap for people returning to the community.