Dear Church Leaders, Volunteers, and Faith Partners,


As we step into this new season, I am excited to share some updates and progress from Benjamin's House. Even at full capacity, our team remains dedicated to enhancing and expanding our services. One of our major milestones is the successful launch of our expanded continued care housing program, now operating in the former 'Warming House.' After installing a new fire system in 2024 and receiving approval from RLFD this summer, we welcomed a family into the space the very next day—an exciting achievement that allows us to serve even more people in need.


Since opening our doors, through the end of September, Benjamin's House has provided 83,800 shelter bed nights, offering safety and refuge to those with no other place to go. We have served 1,584 individuals, including 1,165 adults, 413 children, and 337 families. Among those we've supported, 221 residents have been 55 or older, and 63 veterans have found shelter through our program. Most importantly, 909 individuals have successfully transitioned into permanent housing, thanks to the services and support they received.


At Benjamin’s House, we are committed to a program-oriented approach that goes beyond temporary shelter. Our services focus on helping individuals set personalized goals, track their progress, and work toward self-sufficiency with the help of structured timelines. Our Case Management services are key to this process, providing residents with tailored support that addresses their unique challenges and empowers them to rebuild their lives.


While our shelter offers a 24/7 safe haven, we continue to face the pressing challenge of a lack of affordable housing for residents transitioning to independence. Despite these obstacles, the success stories coming out of Benjamin’s House show the resilience of our residents and the vital role that community support plays in their progress. Many have found stable jobs, reunited with family, and moved into permanent housing, and these outcomes inspire us to keep pushing forward.


These numbers are more than statistics—they represent lives touched and futures restored through your support. None of this would be possible without your partnership. Your ongoing support enables us to continue providing goal-oriented programming, where residents not only find shelter but also the tools they need to succeed. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of those most in need.


Thank you for standing with us in this mission of hope and renewal. We couldn’t do it without you!


Best,

Jenifer

Jenifer Mason

Executive Director, Benjamin's House

d 7157362437  | Benjamins-House.org

ExecutiveDirector@Benjamins-House.org

1107 Heart Island Parkway, Rice Lake, WI 54868

Helping the Homeless & People in Need

At Benjamin's House, we are profoundly grateful for your continued support and partnership as we walk together in service. Your prayers, time, and resources have enabled us to be a beacon of hope for many in our community.


As the only homeless shelter within an hour’s radius, Benjamin’s House is committed to serving our most vulnerable neighbors. We are excited to invite you and your church to engage with us in meaningful ways to help further our mission. Here are some opportunities for your congregation and groups to get involved:


  • Speaking Engagements: Our Executive Director and staff are available to speak at your church or congregation. We would love to share the mission of Benjamin’s House, success stories, and ways your community can join in our efforts to end homelessness. These talks can be tailored to fit your church’s schedule and needs.
  • Youth & Adult Group Tours: We encourage youth and adult groups to visit Benjamin’s House for a guided tour. This is an excellent way to experience firsthand how our shelter operates and how meal volunteers and other supporters help in practical ways. Seeing the shelter in person brings the reality of homelessness closer to home, and we hope it will inspire further engagement.
  • Meal Volunteers: This is a wonderful opportunity for both youth and adult groups to connect with our residents. Groups can prepare and serve a meal, or even cook alongside residents interested in learning new recipes. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—whether your group prepares the entire meal or just parts of it, we would love to work with you to find a plan that fits. Some groups even drop off ingredients, while others come in to help put everything together and serve the meal, and some groups use items from our food pantry.
  • Kindness Crews: Our "Kindness Crews" have been instrumental in helping residents transition into permanent housing. When a resident is ready to move, these crews step in to assist. Whether it’s someone with a truck or trailer, or just a few extra hands to lift and set up furniture, these groups help transform a new space into a home. We’d love to grow these crews—whether it’s helping with moving, setting up a child’s room, or arranging a kitchen, every bit helps to make our residents feel at home.
  • Specialized Skills Volunteers: There are many areas where volunteers with specific skills can make a huge difference without incurring costs for the shelter. Whether it’s carpentry, painting, IT support, marketing and social media, mowing, power washing, or counseling, your unique talents are invaluable. Right now, we also need help with leaf removal—if you have the time, we have the equipment! Every bit of help is appreciated to keep our grounds beautiful and well-maintained.


Each day, we witness lives transformed through the services we provide—whether it’s offering a safe place to sleep, a warm meal, or spiritual guidance. Our work goes beyond meeting physical needs; we are dedicated to reminding our residents that they are valued and not alone.


Benjamin's House stands as a testament to the power of faith and our unwavering commitment to serving the community. With your ongoing support, we look forward to creating even more new beginnings and opportunities for those who need it most.

If you’d like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team would love to connect with you—whether at your congregation or here at Benjamin’s House. Together, we can continue making a lasting impact in our community.

Pictured above is the Kindness Crew from St. Joseph Church  

A Story of Resilience & Hope

I am honored to share an inspiring success story that reflects the profound impact of your generous support for Benjamin's House. This story exemplifies the strength of perseverance and the critical role of community support in transforming lives. Our work gives individuals like Nicole the hope, stability, and opportunity to rebuild their lives.


Nicole's Journey: A Path of Perseverance and Community Support


Nicole came to Benjamin’s House after facing significant challenges, However, Nicole was committed to building a better future for herself and her family, and she worked closely with her case manager and support programs to overcome these challenges. 

Read Nicole's Letter and Story

Want to Learn More?

Let's Serve Together

Would you consider making or serving a meal during the month, with the opportunity to sit among residents connecting over a shared meal? More than just a service opportunity, this is an invitation to build relationships with those in need, offering companionship and care.


If you are interested in learning how your congregation or organization can partner, we’d love to connect - every action makes a difference.

Meal Volunteer Sign Up
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