Lake Country Caring

I Need Help

A reception desk with a sign reading Client Check In / Registro del Cliente in English and Spanish. Behind the desk are office supplies, a computer, and a bulletin board. A WELCOME sign hangs on the wall.

Lake Country Caring is here for when you need extra support. Our mission is to provide essential items at no cost to families and individuals facing financial instability.

Do I Qualify?

You may be eligible for our services if you:

  • Live in Dodge, Jefferson, Washington or Waukesha counties
  • Demonstrate financial need through participation in low income governmental programs or by having household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Other ways to qualify include INS paperwork or documentation of a disaster (fire, flood, robbery) – valid for initial registration only.

How to Access Help

You do not need a referral to access our services—just complete a simple registration. If you qualify, you can shop for your family’s needs right away, at our facility.

Registration is quick, easy, and stress-free. No appointment is needed; simply stop in during standard client hours. The interview to complete your registration takes only about ten minutes.

Client Registration & Shopping Hours

  • Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 9:00 AM—11:30 AM
  • 1st Tuesday of the Month: 5:00 PM—6:30 PM

Arrival Instructions

  • Please arrive no earlier than 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday or 4:45 p.m. on the 1st Tuesday of the month
  • An outdoor greeter will provide a number for entry
  • Please stay in your vehicle until your number is called
  • If you arrive after 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday or after 6:00 p.m. on the 1st Tuesday of the month and there is no greeter, the front desk can assist you

Interpreters Available

Spanish interpreters are available on most client days.

What to Bring With You

Registration is straightforward if you have the needed information with you.* Please bring along:

  • Photo ID: Driver’s license, passport or other government-issued identification
  • Proof of Address: Rental agreement, utility bill or other business mail (personal mail is not accepted)
  • Proof of Need: Examples include:
    • Participation in FoodShare, Medicaid, BadgerCare, WisconsinWorks, public housing assistance, school lunch programs or similar government programs
    • Qualification for services at another 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving low-income households
    • Tax returns
    • INS paperwork or documentation of a disaster (fire, flood, robbery)—valid for initial registration only

*Everything you share will be treated confidentially.

Shopping Details

Our facility is organized like a department store, with dedicated sections for clothing, hygiene items, furniture (including mattresses), household items, toys, and books. Families are able to shop once a month for 30 minutes, and every item is offered completely free of charge.

Additional Sources of Help

Help can come from many directions, and we want families to have access to as much support as possible. That’s why we offer a Community Resources Wall, stocked with brochures and information from other social service organizations. These resources may provide assistance with:

  • Utility support for electricity, heat, or rent
  • Free meals and local food pantries
  • Healthcare services, shelter, and other vital programs

We encourage you to explore these resources—they’re here to offer extra support whenever you need it.