Services Provided

Transitional Housing

Families are able to stay for up to a year in one of the seven Bethel House homes.  While living at Bethel House families work with the Director on the issues that led to their homelessness.  The Director conducts a needs assessment and families establish goals to achieve self-sufficiency.   Every case plan is tailored specifically for each family.

1. During the first month, the Director helps families manage the initial crisis of homelessness.  The focus is primarily on immediate needs such as food, clothing, furniture, basic income, and locating other services.
2. Starting in the second month, the Director helps families dig into their finances, establish a budget, and prioritize debts.  A resume is written and families are often able to find higher paying jobs or enroll in a school program.  The Director helps families reestablish positive habits that will help them long after they have left Bethel House.  
3. After a family has been at Bethel House for six months, families work with the Director on an exit strategy.  The Director helps families locate affordable housing, save for a security deposit, and transition from Bethel House.  Most families leave Bethel House with a sizable amount of savings, significantly less debt, and valuable life skills.  But more importantly, families also leave with a renewed sense of dignity, strength, and hope for the future.

Emergency Financial Assistance

Many times, a small amount of financial assistance can mean the difference between housed and homeless.  Treating homelessness is much more costly, both in monetary terms and the emotional impact, than preventing homelessness.  When possible, Bethel House can help prevent a family from becoming homeless by providing a one-time payment towards rent or utilities.  

4Wheels4Families (4x4)

Transportation has long been a need for families in rural Whitewater.  To help meet this need, Bethel House launched this program in 2022.  Bethel House can provide a safe and suitable donated vehicle to families in need of transportation to get to their job, school, or medical appointment.  
Because we are waiting for vehicle donations, we are not yet accepting applications for this program.

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Eligibility

- Bethel House serves families with children under age 18 who are in their care at least 50% of the time.
- Families must live or work within the Whitewater Unified School District area.
- Families must be facing homelessness to qualify for financial assistance.
​- To qualify for assistance with an electric bill, families must have applied for Energy Assistance.
- Families must provide a current lease, bill, or statement for assistance.

If you and your family are struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out for help. Call us at 262-473-2715. 
​Or for services in Spanish, please call 262-729-1123.

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Other Whitewater Community Resources

Whitewater Food Pantry
146 W. North Street, Whitewater (The Old Armory) 
262-473-5792
Open Wednesday and Thursday 8:30am -12:00

The Community Space and Clothes Closet
834 W. Milwaukee Street, Whitewater
​facebook.com/WhitewaterCommunitySpace ​

Little Free Food Pantries
- 1143 W. Walworth Avenue, Whitewater
- Irvin L Young Memorial Library, 431 W. Center Street (in lobby)
- The Community Space, 834 W. Milwaukee Street

​Dial 2-1-1 First Call for Help

Non-discrimination Policy:
Bethel House does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.  We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our staff, clients, and volunteers.