July 16, 2025
Dear Community Supporter,
Physical abuse. Emotional abuse. Neglect. Rejection by parents. Sex trafficking.
These are just some of the traumas faced by the local youth we serve.
I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing on behalf of Runaway Homeless Youth Mediation and Emergency Services, Inc. (RHYMES), a licensed, 24-hour youth shelter in La Crosse, WI. RHYMES provides safe housing, support, and hope for youth ages 12–17 who are experiencing homelessness or other life crises.
We are at a critical crossroads. Like many nonprofits, RHYMES is facing significant funding challenges. Throughout the summer, our shelter has been operating at more than two-thirds capacity. Without urgent financial support, we may be forced to temporarily close our doors this August.
As Executive Director, I am asking for your help. A donation of any amount will directly support RHYMES’ daily operations and programs. These include:
- Emergency Shelter
- Education & Employment Assistance
- Case Management
- Family Mediation
- Life Skills Training
- Goal-Oriented Transportation
At RHYMES, youth receive more than just a bed—they find a safe, supportive environment where they are seen, heard, and empowered.
Our 24-hour youth shelter has served youth in the La Crosse area since January of this year. We provide a safe and secure space while offering unique programming opportunities for youth. Our staff have a combination of educational, professional, and lived experiences that contribute to providing supportive and affirming services. Please see the attached brochure for more information about RHYMES, check out our website (https://rhymeslacrosse.org/), or feel free to call us!
We collaborate with local schools, counties, and community partners including the La Crosse and Onalaska School Districts, Boys and Girls Club, Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge, Cia Siab, The Center, the YWCA-La Crosse, Western Technical College, La Crosse County, the YMCA-La Crosse, UW-La Crosse, and Viterbo University. At the state and national levels, we collaborate with the Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services, the Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care, and the National Runaway Safeline.
We cannot do this work alone. Your donation can change a life.
Please consider supporting RHYMES today with a tax-deductible contribution:
Or, mail a check to:
RHYMES
Attn: Maurella Cunningham
1515 State St.
La Crosse, WI 54601
The need is real:
- 1 in 30 youth ages 13–17 experiences homelessness each year (WI Dept. of Instruction)
- In October 2024, more than 100 youth were identified as homeless in La Crosse (La Crosse School District)
- Nationally, 4.2 million young people (ages 13–25) experience homelessness annually (WI Dept. of Instruction)
These numbers reflect only part of the story. The rest is told in the words and lives of the youth we meet every day—youth who deserve safety, stability, and a chance to thrive.
Thank you for considering a gift to RHYMES. Your support creates life-changing opportunities and brings healing and hope to our most vulnerable youth.
With gratitude,
Maurella Cunningham, PhD
Executive Director
Runaway Homeless Youth & Emergency Services, Inc.
mcunningham@rhymeslax.org | (608) 406-2992 | www.rhymeslacrosse.org
Instagram: @rhymeslax | Facebook: Runaway Homeless Youth Mediation & Emergency Services
Without urgent financial support, we may be forced to temporarily close our doors this August.
Programming Opportunities
Youth 12-17
RHYMES and our founding partners offer programming opportunities to provide education, fun opportunities, a meal or snacks, and the ability to connect with new friends. Check out our Facebook page to see what current events we are offering.
Young Adults 17-24
Housing Navigators create and host community programs that build self efficacy, teach life skills, provide opportunity to learn new resources, and show how to do things needed to live independently and access supportive services. At each program a meal will be provided. Check out our Facebook page to see what programs are coming up.
Are you interested in working with other youth and young adults to address youth homelessness?
If you are between the ages of 14-24 and are interested in working to end youth homelessness, please give us a call at (608) 781-2783 ext 225 and ask to speak with someone about YAB (Youth Advisory Board). Meetings are twice a month and there are opportunities to help at community awareness events too.
YAB members are paid $15/hour for their work. A meal is provided at the bimonthly meetings.