Couleecap has received the 2026 Governor's Award for Excellence in Community Action for Haven on Main, a housing development in downtown La Crosse.
The award was presented to Couleecap and project partner Haven for Special People at the Wisconsin Community Action Program awards ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 27. It is in its 29th year, with one agency selected each year.
Haven on Main held its grand opening on Oct. 8, 2026. The complex has 70 inclusive, accessible apartments where adults with disabilities live alongside non-disabled residents, and 56 of the 70 units had been leased when the award was announced.
Haven for Special People, a group formed by parents, educators and community supporters, originated the idea. Couleecap, the Gerrard Corporation and Wieser Brothers General Contractor helped carry out the project.
Couleecap executive director Hetti Brown said the project reflects a community working to provide housing that fits people regardless of income or ability. It is the second Governor's Award for Couleecap in recent years, following an award in 2020 for its response to COVID-19.
