Exciting News From Pillars
We are humbled and honored to share that Pillars has been selected by Outagamie County to receive $1,500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The grant stems from Outagamie County’s decision to invest significant ARPA funding to impact behavioral health services in our community. This significant investment, recommended by county staff, is a testament to their belief in and support of the vital role Pillars plays in serving and stabilizing those experiencing housing instability.
At Pillars, our mission is clear: from homelessness to coming home, we provide shelter, support, and solutions to address the housing needs in our community. We envision a creative, compassionate community that collaborates to find innovative, effective solutions so experiences of homelessness are rare and brief and everyone has a place to call home. Affordable housing and housing services are a key social determinant of mental and physical health and continue to be a challenge in the community.
Impact of Funding
Over the past year, Pillars has shared that the organization has operated on a deficit budget for the past two fiscal years. The deficit, totaling approximately 10% of the organizational budget, is the result of multiple coexisting factors: the challenging labor market, soaring inflation, the conclusion of multi-year start-up funding of new programs, and more.
When presented with the opportunity, our community demonstrated their commitment and dedication to supporting Pillars’ mission. In a recent campaign to address the deficit and sustain the Pillars Resource Center, 84 donors stepped up to give $317,000. This generous outpouring of support mirrors the community’s feelings about the important role Pillars’ services play. The decision by county staff to recommend Pillars for this funding opportunity is a powerful affirmation of our community’s belief in innovative, effective solutions to ensure everyone has a place to call home. This collaboration between county officials and community stakeholders exemplifies the collective effort required to bring Pillars’ vision to life.
Outagamie County’s $1.5 million investment combined with the community’s collaborative support allows Pillars to refocus efforts on its core mission. The funding will be expended between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2026, to stabilize the budget over the next 2.5 years. Instead of grappling with immediate financial needs, Pillars can now direct our attention to:
- Amplifying service quality and provision
- Sustaining programs at a level prepared to meet heightened demand and need
- Planning for and establishing a 5-year strategic plan to address long-term financial stability
Addressing Behavioral Needs
Our community is no stranger to the persisting challenges of the housing market. The regional housing shortage has increased housing prices and decreased access to affordable housing, a key social determinant of mental and physical health. Pillars continues to experience increasing need and demand for services along the entire housing continuum. The provision of these services combats increases in demand for behavioral health services. By offering stable housing and support, we address many underlying issues that can exacerbate mental health challenges. Our integrated approach ensures that individuals and families not only find a place to live but also receive the necessary support to thrive.
A Community United
This funding is yet another example of our community’s belief and investment in Pillars’ mission. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in creating a compassionate community where everyone has a place to call home. We are incredibly grateful for this support and are committed to using these funds to make a lasting impact.
As we move forward, we remain dedicated to our vision of a community where homelessness is rare and brief. With the support of Outagamie County and our community partners, we are more equipped than ever to provide shelter, support, and solutions to those in need.
Thank you to everyone who has believed in and supported our mission. Together, we can ensure that everyone in our community has a place to call home.
