At St. John’s Ministries, we believe that the end of a shelter stay should mark the beginning of lasting stability, not another chapter of uncertainty. Yet for many who exit homelessness, the transition into housing is fragile and filled with new challenges: financial strain, loneliness, confusion, and fear of losing what they’ve just gained. That’s why St. John’s Ministries created the Lasting Change aftercare program. A program designed to offer continued support for individuals after leaving shelter, ensuring they don’t just move into housing, but have the tools, relationships, and resources to thrive.
The reality of being “housed”
When someone moves out of a shelter and into a home, it can feel like a happy ending. But for many, it’s just the beginning of a quieter struggle, one that’s often invisible.
Imagine opening the door to your new apartment. It’s yours. But there’s no furniture. No toilet paper. No idea how to handle a lease or what to do if the rent goes up. You’re relieved, yes, but also overwhelmed. You’re alone. And without support, that door can feel like it swings both ways – back into homelessness.
Leaving homelessness behind is a major milestone, but not the end of the journey. Many face isolation, financial strain, and limited access to community resources after moving into a place of their own. The reality is that in Wisconsin, 33% of individuals who exit shelters become homeless again.
A promise that doesn’t end at the door
The Lasting Change aftercare program is St. John’s Ministries’ answer to that reality. Lasting Change is a program built around people, not a physical place, people who need additional support once their shelter stay ends.
The program begins with a visit from a familiar face: a case manager from St. John’s, along with a partner from another local nonprofit, a volunteer, or staff member. They arrive with care, and a welcome tub including household essentials, resource information, and connection.
It’s a simple gesture that says:
You are not alone. We’re still here for you.
Over time, through visits and conversations, trust grows. People get plugged into resources, meals, medical care, financial coaching, and household goods. They learn how to navigate leases, avoid eviction, and build credit. If something goes wrong, they’re not alone.
Walking with, not away
The journey continues, long after the first visits.
Over the course of their participation in Lasting Change, housed individuals will build personalized action plans with a case manager. Case managers will talk, they will listen. Case managers will also connect participants to resources in the community, service partners involved in St. John’s Ministries’ Lasting Change program.
Participants may be connected with community resources and partners such as:
- Crisis Café for meals, prayer, fellowship, and encouragement.
- Catholic Charities for financial and credit guidance.
- N.E.W. Community Clinic for medical consultation and care services.
- St. Vincent de Paul for household furniture, supplies, and comfort.
More than a program — a lifeline
The individuals we serve face real, compounding challenges like mental health struggles, financial hardship, and isolation. Without continued care and support, some fall back into homelessness. Others may fall through the cracks entirely. Sometimes, even with the best plan, life happens.
That’s why Lasting Change offers bridge grants. Bridge grants offer emergency financial assistance to help cover rent or security deposits before someone potentially slips through the cracks. Bridge grants are not given blindly though. Participants must complete five weeks of Lasting Change visits and planning, building skills and support systems needed to stay stable in the long term. Bridge grants are offered with purpose, and paid directly to vendors.
“Lasting Change isn’t just about helping someone get housed, it is about helping them stay housed. St. John’s will remain connected and involved with willing participants. We will offer support so participants not only survive, but begin to heal, grow, and thrive.” — Tollef Wienke, Program Coordinator
You can help make a new house feel like home by donating items for our welcome tubs. These kits include essential household supplies that ease the transition and remind individuals they’re not alone on their journey. Visit our Lasting Change Wish List and donate items directly supporting participants in the Lasting Change program.
