SAVE THE LA CROSSE LIGHTHOUSE PEER RUN RESPITE—LIVES DEPEND ON IT!

We are out of time. Without your help, La Crosse Lighthouse will close its doors.

Since Dec of 2021, The La Crosse Lighthouse Peer Run Respite has been a lifeline for individuals struggling with mental health crises—providing a safe, supportive space where people can heal, connect, and regain stability without the fear of hospitalization. In 2024 alone, Lighthouse provided 142 respite stays and took over 3,500 warmline calls, offering a compassionate, peer-driven alternative to emergency rooms and psychiatric hospitalization.

Now, this critical resource is on the verge of shutting down. When ARPA funding was abruptly cut, we had three guests actively staying at the respite and a fully booked schedule ahead. We were forced to lay off eight dedicated staff members, drastically cut our operating hours, and rely solely on donated funds to remain open. But without urgent financial support, we will close permanently —leaving Wisconsin with one less essential mental health service and removing a key pillar of support for our community.

What Happens If We Close?

A Devastating Gap in Mental Health Support – The Lighthouse is one of the few peer-run respites in the state. Its closure means fewer options for people in crisis, pushing them toward costly ER visits, hospitalization, or worse—homelessness or incarceration.
Increased Suicides and Mental Health Crises – Peer-run respites prevent crises from escalating. Without this resource, people facing severe distress will have nowhere to turn.
Loss of a Critical Lifeline – Our warmline answered 3,572 calls in 2024—each one a moment where someone reached out for help instead of suffering alone. Without Lighthouse, thousands will lose access to this vital peer support.
Twelve Peer Support Jobs Lost – Our dedicated peer staff, all with lived experience, provide nonjudgmental, compassionate support. If we close, these essential jobs disappear, and the ripple effect will be felt across the community.

How You Can Help

We need to raise $250,000 to continue operating for another year while we seek long-term funding solutions. Every donation directly keeps the Lighthouse open—funding staff, respite stays, warmline services, and operational costs.

Every Dollar Counts—Take Action Today!

With your help, we can stop this closure and protect this vital community resource. Please donate and share this campaign with friends, family, and organizations that believe in mental health support, harm reduction, and community care.

🚨 TIME IS RUNNING OUT—DONATE NOW TO SAVE THE LIGHTHOUSE! 🚨

Save The La Crosse Lighthouse Peer Run Respite!

By The La Crosse Lighthouse, Inc.

Save The La Crosse Lighthouse Peer Run Respite!

We are out of time. Without your help, La Crosse Lighthouse will close its doors.

Team Members