WISCAP is Wisconsin’s official, and only, statewide network of poverty fighting agencies. On Oct. 1, the organization honored FSPA with the Friends of Community Action award during the Poverty Matters Conference. Couleecap Executive Director Hetti Brown nominated FSPA offering, "FSPA is dedicated to, responding to the needs of this time” to accompany all who face systemic inequities with compassion and presence. The sisters are respected voices and community leaders. As such, they use their position power to advocate in the areas of immigration/migration, anti-racism, historical native persecution, inclusive economic models, homelessness, human trafficking, and more."
Hetti continued, "As example, FSPA was the lead supporter in helping Couleecap establish the state’s second Community Land Trust in the early 2000’s, which quickly grew to one of the largest affordable housing trusts. The Land Trust started with an initial gift from FSPA, who invested in an idea that, at the time, was innovative and untested in our area. A Land Trust ensures that newly developed or remodeled housing stays permanently affordable to ensure it can serve many first-time, low-income home buyers, despite rising costs in the housing market. Now with 24 homes, the Couleecap Land Trust has served as a model in which other communities in the state have learned from."
Pictured above left to right: Sister Paulynn Instenes, Hetti Brown and Sister Georgia Christensen. Sisters Paulynn and Georgia accepted the award at the Poverty Matters Conference held Oct. 1 in Wisconsin Dells.