Launched in August 2024, the unit is led by Supervisor Ryan Ross, who oversees a team of social workers, a clinical therapist, and soon, peer support specialists. Each member brings years of experience and specialized training.
“These workers don’t have traditional offices,” Ross said. “Their offices are park benches, parking ramps, encampments and shelters. They are embedded in the community.”
The team operates across three primary service pathways:
--Behavioral health and substance use support for individuals who need help managing mental health challenges while navigating housing.
--Housing navigation services for those who are simply trying to find a place to live but don’t require mental health treatment.
--Engagement and trust-building for individuals who are unsure or not yet ready to seek support.
Early Results Show Impact
Since the unit began full-scale outreach last fall, it has documented engagement with over 170 people. Of those, 18 individuals have successfully obtained permanent housing — representing 20% of all housing placements in La Crosse County during that period. Additionally, eight individuals have entered residential treatment programs.
Ross recounted one man who approached the outreach team asking for help getting into detox. “We helped him navigate through detox, into sober living, and are now working with him on permanent housing,” he said.
Another man, laid off from work and living in his car, had difficulty asking for help— until the team found him and walked with him through housing and benefits navigation. “He had always been successful and suddenly couldn’t figure out how to navigate the system. That’s what we’re here for,” Ross said.
One of the biggest opportunities on the horizon is La Crosse County’s early adoption of a new Medicaid housing support waiver (1915(i)), which became effective statewide Feb. 1. This Medicaid option allows eligible individuals experiencing homelessness to receive:
--Up to 150 hours of housing navigation support (document collection, landlord applications, etc.).
--Up to 150 hours of support after being housed, to help them adjust and stabilize.
--Financial support toward security deposits, basic furnishings and other move-in needs.
Because the Specialized Behavioral Health Unit already existed, La Crosse County was able to quickly position itself to gain approval for the program.
Built on Partnership
The unit’s success is bolstered by strong relationships with community partners such as The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Couleecap, the YWCA, and other service providers. Referrals come in through multiple channels: walk-ins to La Crosse County Human Services, email requests, and direct outreach.
But it’s not always linear. Nearly 46% of those contacted by the team eventually disengage, either declining services or falling out of contact. And that’s their decision, said Ross.
“We often see people come back months later, asking if we’re still there. And we are. That consistent presence matters. We’re building trust, even when outcomes take time.”
The unit is also working to recruit peer support specialists — people with lived experience of homelessness, recovery, or both — to provide additional credibility and support. Meanwhile, therapists and case managers continue to explore every angle: mental health stabilization, legal advocacy, and connection to employment.
“There’s a huge need for low-barrier, specialized housing,” said Ross. “Many of our folks have past legal involvement — not violent offenses, but survival behaviors that still bar them from most rentals. That’s why advocacy and relationship-building with landlords and employers is a big part of our work.”
Long-Term Vision
As the unit prepares to expand Medicaid services and onboard peer support roles, leaders remain focused on building a long-term, integrated response to homelessness — one driven by data and rooted in compassion.
This is a community issue, and we’re building a community solution,” said Witt. “This isn’t just a city-county initiative — it’s a partnership. And we’re not stopping.”
The unit is a key part of Pathways Home, the city-county plan to end long-term homelessness. As a result of the plan’s coordinated approach, more people are now being housed each month than are becoming homeless in La Crosse, which is helping drive down the number of people experiencing homelessness.
Since November, the total homeless population in La Crosse has dropped by 16%, from 295 to 247, and further progress is expected in the coming months with about 50 new specialized housing units in the pipeline, supported by county, city and private funding.
Since the launch of Pathways Home last year, over 160 individuals have been placed in housing with support from community partners. More details can be found at lacrossecounty.org/pathwayshome. To inquire about services offered by the county’s Human Services, call 608-784-HELP/608-784-4357.