Council and county members press Pathways Home on nonresident inflow, surge shelter and faith‑community roles

Lisa Austin (City Council) asked whether the downtown unsheltered population is mainly La Crosse residents. Brian Sampson said their tracking question asks where someone last had housing and that "83% of people on our pathways to housing list last had housing in La Crosse," while acknowledging the measure is imperfect and that people do sometimes get dropped off from other communities.

Peg I Sola (County Board) asked why a temporary surge shelter was not implemented; Jim Drees said attempts found site, zoning, fire-code and funding roadblocks and that the County pivoted to targeted outreach instead. On engaging faith communities, officials said Pathways Home convenes faith leaders monthly, is piloting 'baskets of belonging' and is exploring church-owned properties as low-barrier supportive landlords while noting some congregations attach conditions that could be barriers.

Other council members asked about shower and laundry services; Sampson said Catholic Charities offers scheduled shower and laundry days. Elected members also pressed for state-level advocacy on prevention and rent supports; staff urged more state funding for prevention and flexible rent assistance to reduce inflow into homelessness.