Local organization that provides support to community needs volunteers and donations

In 2022, the Minocqua town board created an ad hoc committee, that has since become a standing committee, to help identify potential solutions concerning area housing and workforce issues.

Meanwhile, fuel prices have steadily climbed. 

In February of 2022, The Lakeland Times reported fuel prices in Oneida and Vilas counties were among the most expensive in the state. Then, in June of 2022, pump prices in the state reached record highs. 

Consumer prices, increased as well. Among them, and as the Times reported in September of 2022, food prices encountered the largest 12-month increase since 1979. 

Typically, those impacted the most by these rising day-to-day costs are members of the community who struggle to pay their monthly or unexpected expenses — utilities, vehicle repairs, medical care and more.

Since 2013, a local group of volunteers have been working to help those who are struggling. Based out of Minocqua’s St. Matthias Episcopal Church, the self-described “Christian philanthropic organization” known as Caritas helps guide people needing help with various things the organization dubs as a “social service maze.”

Caritas volunteers Dick Bruesehoff and Janice Faulkner said the organization is like a support system for the community. 

One of the biggest issues in the community the two highlighted concerned housing. 

According to data gathered by Caritas and obtained through the real estate website Zillow, average rental costs in Oneida and Vilas counties have increased by 17.4 percent. Caritas’ report points out the local average is significantly higher than the national average of 10.8 percent. 

Bruesehoff said he thinks what’s “rarely” included in the housing discussion is the local population bringing in the least amount of wages. 

He explained his viewpoint of how some moved to the area in the last few years and purchased rental properties, resulting in increases in monthly rents. 

Caritas’ goal, Bruesehoff continued, is to “lift up that part of the community” who struggles the most. 

Faulkner pointed out how in rural areas like the Northwoods, that portion of people often goes unnoticed, unlike those living in an urban landscape. 

However, Bruesehoff made it no secret that Caritas needs more volunteers to help with its mission. Those volunteers, he said, would meet with those in need to identify where they need help the most. 

In its report, Caritas noted the lack of homeless shelters in the “immediate area,” the closest being Fredrick Place in Rhinelander, which “is often full.” Even in emergency instances, the report adds, short-term shelter in places like hotels isn’t an option because, especially in the summer, those businesses have no vacancies. 

By the end of its first full year, Caritas assisted 226 people and $22,564 was distributed. Now, in just the first nine months of 2023, the organization assisted 325 people and $88,504 was distributed. 

Not only is the amount of volunteers needed with its growth, Caritas, or those it helps, also have a need for donations. 

According to its report, Caritas showed only $4,491 went towards paying its administrators while  $61,165 was dedicated to assisting people in the community from January to June of 2023. 

And while it does seek more donations, Caritas also receives funding from a number of area parishes. 

Bruesehoff acknowledged the generosity of the area churches, but added the organization wouldn’t be able to have much of an impact without the support of individual donors. 

“Caritas has done what we can, paying late rent to avoid evictions, paying campground fees and providing short-term hotel stays when possible,” the organization's report states. “We have spent more than three times on housing than any other category, and we don’t see that things are improving.”

Transportation is the second most important need Caritas identified. It assists people with gasoline vouchers, among other things, when it deems it appropriate. 

Negotiating with companies with regard to payments, helping to provide food, personal products, clothing and household items are other ways Caritas helps. 

Bruesehoff and Faulkner made it clear the organization helps people find ways to solve personal problems. They will refer people to other local nonprofits, too, like the Lakeland Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army and others.

“We work very closely with other philanthropic organizations … social services within the counties, electric (companies); and a lot of these people don’t know where to begin,” Faulkner said. “They are so overwhelmed they just don’t know where to begin.”

“In the first half of 2023, we gave as much assistance, financial assistance, as we gave in 2022,” Bruesehoff said. “... So as Jan said, we know what we’re good at. We try to coordinate that with the other (nonprofit organizations), but our job really is to give immediate emergency financial assistance to people … to get them back on their feet.”

Faulkner and Bruesehoff said the organization is careful with the money it distributes because not only have clients taken advantage of Caritas’ help in the past, so have landlords. 

Ideal volunteer staffing for Caritas would consist of two interview teams of two volunteers apiece, “as well as a manager and co-manager for decision making, paperwork and phone calls.”

For those interested in volunteering or donating, St. Matthias and Caritas administrator Stephanie Rajnicek can be reached at 715-358-0355 or Faulkner at 630-254-8125.

On Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., unless on a holiday or school closure, is when Caritas at St. Matthias in Minocqua is open for both residents of Vilas and Oneida counties. Caritas asks those who seek assistance to bring a valid driver’s license or acceptable ID and any paperwork regarding their needs. 

For those needing assistance, the phone number you can call is 715-356-9989 or an email can be sent to [email protected].

Trevor Greene may be reached via email at [email protected].