Catalyst Challenge

The Power of Collective Action

Since 1970, Lacasa Inc. has been a beacon of community empowerment and social change. Dedicated to fostering stability and growth, Lacasa offers a diverse array of services ranging from affordable housing solutions, community building and engagement to financial literacy programs. Through our comprehensive approach, we aim to uplift individuals and families, promoting self-sufficiency and enhancing the quality of life in the region. With a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and compassion, Lacasa Inc. stands as a cornerstone of support and transformation in Elkhart County.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our Catalyst Challenge at Lacasa Inc. of Elkhart County! This initiative aims to create a fund that will bolster our ongoing efforts in serving our community, ensuring that no individual or family is left behind. We believe in the power of collective action and the transformative impact it can have on the lives of our friends, families, neighbors and our staff.

– Jeremy Stutsman, President/CEO

Empower Our Vision and Sustainability

We are committed to a strong vision and sustainability by embarking on ambitious projects that create a lasting impact on our communities. Our Catalyst Challenge will establish a fund ensuring the continuity of vital programs and services, safeguarding the well-being of those we serve.

Through strategic planning for sustainable growth, we lay a solid foundation for development, allowing us to navigate challenges with confidence and unwavering dedication. In times of financial strain, the fund may act as a temporary safety net or borrowing account, to cover shortfalls. This financial flexibility enables us to manage resources prudently, avoiding reliance on external borrowing and unnecessary interest payments. It in our intention to replace borrowed dollars that were to used to start projects ultimately funded by grants and other means. Our commitment to financial stewardship ensures the sustainability and longevity of our mission-driven work.

Additionally, our ability to respond to strategic opportunities maximizes our impact. This includes expanding outreach, addressing community needs, or supporting initiatives like housing, education, and community leadership development. Every contribution helps uplift our community.

Strengthen Our Partnerships and Ability to Adapt

During times of uncertainty, Lacasa has a long history of partnering with communities in need. In 2008, Lacasa pivoted our resources to respond to the Great Recession and housing/foreclosure crisis. At the request of the City of Elkhart, Lacasa took over projects at risk of failing such as Water Tower Place, Roosevelt Center, 169 State Street, and 516 South Main Street, comprising a total of 107 units and commercial spaces that we still operate today. Lacasa also shifted staffing to offer foreclosure counseling. Over a 7-year period started during the Great Recession, we assisted 1,000 homeowners throughout Elkhart County, preserving assets totaling more than $98 million.

During the flood of 2018, the City of Goshen asked Lacasa to run their flood recovery program. We assisted residents by inspecting homes, arranging for trusted contractors to complete repairs, and issuing grant dollars to residents provided by the city.

In February 2020, Lacasa opened another office in downtown Elkhart to increase our outreach and accessibility. By March 2020, as the pandemic became a reality, we worked creatively to stay in touch with tenants and continue offering needed education. Seeing additional need, Lacasa created 23 new rental housing units and recommenced work in single-family housing development for homeownership.

Strengthen Housing & Wealth Building Opportunities

Lacasa is known for our proven ability to strengthen families and housing. We complete projects and deliver programs that are unique to our area and focus on providing pathways for people with fewer resources to thrive.  We served our community’s diverse populations through multi-cultural and bilingual capabilities.  Our robust suite of services leverages expertise and partnerships, reflects excellence, and positively impacts our region’s development.

Strengthen Brand and Business Model

One of our organizational goals is go strengthen our brand and business model. We have plans to update our website that focuses on the end user experience. We also plan to update our donor management system to better track data and combine it with other departments. Doing this will allow us to analyze our data more effectively across departments.

Strengthen Communities

Lacasa excels at strengthening focus communities. We connect with these communities to engage their residents, strengthen their voice, support their leaders, and assist in plans that build on their assets. Work in these communities in informed and driven by the voices of their residents and stakeholders.

Strengthen the Team

Lacasa is an employer of choice that values and develops each team member and celebrates their strengths and diversity. Lacasa has well-trained and engaged team members that collaborate to achieve mission-focused results. Our team members are committed to our mission, aligned with our values, and engaged with our clients and community.

Bridge Funding to Essential Services

Allocate resources to cover essential expenses and ensure the continuity of vital programs such as affordable housing initiatives and financial literacy programs until grant or
donation funds are received.

Address Housing Needs

Invest in building or renovating affordable housing units to provide quality homes for low-income families, thereby addressing the housing needs within the community.

Educational Programs and Resources

Develop and expand educational programs that focus on financial literacy and homeownership. This includes purchasing materials, hiring educators, and creating online learning platforms.

Expansion of Outreach Services

Allocate funds to expand outreach efforts, including increasing staff, improving marketing strategies, and enhancing community engagement activities to reach more individuals and families in need.

Community Leadership Development

Strengthen programs aimed at developing new community leaders by offering training, mentorship, and support for individuals committed to making a positive impact in Elkhart County.

Operational Stability

Use funds to cover shortfalls in the operations budget during times of financial strain or economic uncertainty (such as COVID-19), ensuring that Lacasa’s operations continue smoothly and that staff and programs are adequately supported.

Infrastructure and Technology Upgrades

Invest in upgrading the organization’s infrastructure and technology, such as improving office facilities, updating software and hardware, and implementing new systems to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

If you want more information, check out our newsletters, annual reports and financial reports at this link.

The Power of Collective Action

Since 1970, Lacasa Inc. has been a beacon of community empowerment and social change. Dedicated to fostering stability and growth, Lacasa offers a diverse array of services ranging from affordable housing solutions, community building and engagement to financial literacy programs. Through our comprehensive approach, we aim to uplift individuals and families, promoting self-sufficiency and enhancing the quality of life in the region. With a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and compassion, Lacasa Inc. stands as a cornerstone of support and transformation in Elkhart County.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our Catalyst Challenge at Lacasa Inc. of Elkhart County! This initiative aims to create a fund that will bolster our ongoing efforts in serving our community, ensuring that no individual or family is left behind. We believe in the power of collective action and the transformative impact it can have on the lives of our friends, families, neighbors and our staff.

– Jeremy Stutsman, President/CEO

Strengthen Housing & Wealth Building Opportunities

Lacasa is known for our proven ability to strengthen families and housing. We complete projects and deliver programs that are unique to our area and focus on providing pathways for people with fewer resources to thrive.  We served our community’s diverse populations through multi-cultural and bilingual capabilities.  Our robust suite of services leverages expertise and partnerships, reflects excellence, and positively impacts our region’s development.

Strengthen Brand and Business Model

One of our organizational goals is go strengthen our brand and business model. We have plans to update our website that focuses on the end user experience. We also plan to update our donor management system to better track data and combine it with other departments. Doing this will allow us to analyze our data more effectively across departments.

Strengthen Communities

Lacasa excels at strengthening focus communities. We connect with these communities to engage their residents, strengthen their voice, support their leaders, and assist in plans that build on their assets. Work in these communities in informed and driven by the voices of their residents and stakeholders.

Strengthen the Team

Lacasa is an employer of choice that values and develops each team member and celebrates their strengths and diversity. Lacasa has well-trained and engaged team members that collaborate to achieve mission-focused results. Our team members are committed to our mission, aligned with our values, and engaged with our clients and community.

Empower Our Vision and Sustainability

We are committed to a strong vision and sustainability by embarking on ambitious projects that create a lasting impact on our communities. Our Catalyst Challenge will establish a fund ensuring the continuity of vital programs and services, safeguarding the well-being of those we serve.

Through strategic planning for sustainable growth, we lay a solid foundation for development, allowing us to navigate challenges with confidence and unwavering dedication. In times of financial strain, the fund may act as a temporary safety net or borrowing account, to cover shortfalls. This financial flexibility enables us to manage resources prudently, avoiding reliance on external borrowing and unnecessary interest payments. It in our intention to replace borrowed dollars that were to used to start projects ultimately funded by grants and other means. Our commitment to financial stewardship ensures the sustainability and longevity of our mission-driven work.

Additionally, our ability to respond to strategic opportunities maximizes our impact. This includes expanding outreach, addressing community needs, or supporting initiatives like housing, education, and community leadership development. Every contribution helps uplift our community.

Strengthen Our Partnerships and Ability to Adapt

During times of uncertainty, Lacasa has a long history of partnering with communities in need. In 2008, Lacasa pivoted our resources to respond to the Great Recession and housing/foreclosure crisis. At the request of the City of Elkhart, Lacasa took over projects at risk of failing such as Water Tower Place, Roosevelt Center, 169 State Street, and 516 South Main Street, comprising a total of 107 units and commercial spaces that we still operate today. Lacasa also shifted staffing to offer foreclosure counseling. Over a 7-year period started during the Great Recession, we assisted 1,000 homeowners throughout Elkhart County, preserving assets totaling more than $98 million.

During the flood of 2018, the City of Goshen asked Lacasa to run their flood recovery program. We assisted residents by inspecting homes, arranging for trusted contractors to complete repairs, and issuing grant dollars to residents provided by the city.

In February 2020, Lacasa opened another office in downtown Elkhart to increase our outreach and accessibility. By March 2020, as the pandemic became a reality, we worked creatively to stay in touch with tenants and continue offering needed education. Seeing additional need, Lacasa created 23 new rental housing units and recommenced work in single-family housing development for homeownership.

Bridge Funding to Essential Services

Allocate resources to cover essential expenses and ensure the continuity of vital programs such as affordable housing initiatives and financial literacy programs until grant or
donation funds are received.

Address Housing Needs

Invest in building or renovating affordable housing units to provide quality homes for low-income families, thereby addressing the housing needs within the community.

Educational Programs and Resources

Develop and expand educational programs that focus on financial literacy and homeownership. This includes purchasing materials, hiring educators, and creating online learning platforms.

Expansion of Outreach Services

Allocate funds to expand outreach efforts, including increasing staff, improving marketing strategies, and enhancing community engagement activities to reach more individuals and families in need.

Community Leadership Development

Strengthen programs aimed at developing new community leaders by offering training, mentorship, and support for individuals committed to making a positive impact in Elkhart County.

Operational Stability

Use funds to cover shortfalls in the operations budget during times of financial strain or economic uncertainty (such as COVID-19), ensuring that Lacasa’s operations continue smoothly and that staff and programs are adequately supported.

Infrastructure and Technology Upgrades

Invest in upgrading the organization’s infrastructure and technology, such as improving office facilities, updating software and hardware, and implementing new systems to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

If you want more information, check out our newsletters, annual reports and financial reports at this link.