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Catholic Charities Rob Grove on La Crosse’s homeless situation

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Vicki Markussen (left) interviews Catholic Charities Rob Grove in the WIZM studio on Oct. 3, 2024.

If you want a front seat to the stories behind those who are homeless in the area, Catholic Charities provided that opportunity Thursday on La Crosse Talk with guest Rob Grove.


La Crosse Talk airs weekdays at 6-9 a.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.


He’s the Catholic Charities advancement director, and says there are many individuals who sleep at the shelter and then head to work.

For others, kind words or playing cards is the best part of their day.

Catholic Charities offers services to those coming to help find housing.

Grover said they often help get finances in order and are then welcomed by landlords because they know the families are working with Catholic Charities.

Catholic Charities also runs a Warming Center in downtown La Crosse, which will open Nov. 1. 

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6 Comments

6 Comments

  1. Bob N.

    October 7, 2024 at 8:18 am

    This is how straightening out your life is done. Catholic Charities is a wonderful organization. They also have rules at their shelter. No booze, no drugs. And Faith in God is offered, freely.

    Those you see in the river ditches have rejected all that.

    • Misty

      October 9, 2024 at 12:09 am

      Catholic Charities is great but they arent the reason I’m sober and dont drink either anymore, nor have they brought me closer to God. I’ve done all this for myself and yet remain homeless. I’m on all the lists and still receive no help from community resources for being homeless. The river is my home and tall think it’s fun and games..that’s what is sick

      • Roy

        October 9, 2024 at 8:04 am

        The “community” owes you nothing. Merely not drinking and taking credit for it means you aren’t really sober. You’re dry. You have resentments and regard yourself as a “victim.”
        Substance experts tell us that those who abuse drugs and alcohol stop developing in the maturation process and freeze as adolescents, an age group that believes they have things coming to them and who commonly refuse to take responsibility for their actions. My advice to you is forget the government “lists”, clean up your act and appearance, sell the cell phone or computer that you sent your comment on and start applying for jobs. God be with you.

        • L.

          October 9, 2024 at 8:38 am

          Your perspective is appreciated, but I believe it’s important to recognize that sobriety is a personal journey and not simply defined by abstaining from substances. Many people in recovery face significant challenges, and their experiences can’t be reduced to a lack of responsibility or maturity.

          While it’s true that some individuals may struggle with resentment or a victim mentality, it’s also crucial to acknowledge the complexities of addiction and recovery. Everyone’s path in life is different, and support from the community can be vital in overcoming these hurdles.

          Rather than dismissing those who are “dry,” we should encourage understanding and compassion. Recovery often involves addressing underlying issues and growing from them, and many people work hard to reclaim their lives. Let’s focus on supporting each other in this journey, rather than judging.

  2. Thomas Schmitt

    October 7, 2024 at 5:53 pm

    Great.The city council orders the homeless to leave, and walks away, leaving charity to clean up the problem.

  3. Lynn Watkins

    October 8, 2024 at 8:07 pm

    Something needs to change

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