Life Resources | Western Technical College

Student Life

Life Resources

Connecting Students with Basic Needs and Financial Resources

Being a college student is challenging, and right now things are more challenging than ever. To continue focusing on your school, career, and graduation goals, you may need resources for yourself or your family. There are a number of them available here at Western as well as within the La Crosse and surrounding communities. Click the locations to find resources in your area:

Western staff members are here to help you navigate the options, including those for food, child care, housing, transportation, health, and much, much more. If you would like personal help, please complete the online form and a Western expert will be in touch with you in 2-3 business days.

Student Resource Request

Watch this video to see how Western can help you with basic needs and financial resources.

Cavalier Cupboard - Food Pantry

This food pantry is designed to meet the immediate food needs of Western students by providing them with access to perishable and non-perishable food items, hygiene items, school items, diapers, and information on local resources. This service is open to all Western students with a valid student ID. Learn More about the Cavalier Cupboard.

Childcare Services - La Crosse YWCA Childcare Center

The YWCA provides childcare services on Western's La Crosse Campus. Located at 419 9th Street North, the YWCA Childcare Center is open to Western faculty, staff, and students, as well as the general public. Full- or part-time care is provided for children ages 6-weeks to 5 years old.

To learn more about the YWCA childcare program, visit the YWCA website or contact:

YWCA Child Center
419 9th St. North
La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: 608-785-9541
Email: BusinessManager@ywcalax.org

 

Emergency Funding

If you experience an unexpected financial hardship, Emergency Funding is available. Covered expenses may include dependent care, gas, background checks, limited tuition, medical expenses, utilities, vehicle repairs, food, and housing. Please complete the Student Resource Request form to apply for this funding.

COVID Resources

Food Assistance

You may now be able to receive assistance paying for food and other groceries from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), more commonly known as FoodShare. If you live in Wisconsin, you can apply here for this program and others. SNAP benefits recently expanded to include many more college students.

Housing Expenses

Renters: Eligible households may receive assistance with rent, energy or utility bills, and other housing costs dating back to the start of the pandemic. This is provided by the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) program.

Homeowners: Eligible households who have fallen behind on their mortgage or other housing-related cost may receive financial assistance through the Wisconsin Help for Homeowners (WHH).

If you live in La Crosse, Crawford, Monroe, or Vernon County, your agency is Couleecap. Head here to learn about and apply for the Rental Assistance program or here to learn about and apply for the Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program.

Minnesota residents, visit Minnesota Housing for information on similar resources available to you.

Lawyers for Learners

Don’t let legal problems keep you from achieving your goals, like going to school or getting a job. You can get free, confidential legal help through Lawyers for Learners. Get started today!

Contact Us

If you would like help navigating these resources, complete the online request form or email basicneeds@westerntc.edu.