St. John's Lutheran Ministries
As the people of God, we are called to love and serve our neighbors in response to the mercy we ourselves have received in Christ. Through these community ministries and service programs, we seek to share the love of Jesus in word and deed — helping those in need with compassion, dignity, and faithfulness to God’s Word.
This page provides information about local organizations that offer assistance with housing, food, health care, child care, and other essential needs. Each resource represents an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love in practical ways and to bear witness to His care for all people.
For a comprehensive list of community resources, please visit the Community Resource Guide.
Community Resources
Portage Area Community Assistance Program (PACAP)
108 East Pleasant Street, Portage, WI 53901
(608) 742-7687 | riverhavenshelter.org
Working Together to Support Our Neighbors in Need
The Portage Area Community Assistance Program (PACAP) provides coordinated community support for individuals and families facing financial hardship in the Portage, Wisconsin area. Through a partnership among River Haven Shelter, St. Vincent de Paul–Portage, the local clergy fund, and the United Way, PACAP offers a streamlined approach to connecting residents with vital resources and emergency assistance.
Our goal is to ensure that everyone in the Portage community has access to compassionate, practical help when it’s needed most—whether that means temporary shelter, food, utility assistance, or other forms of short-term support.
To qualify for assistance, applicants must reside within the Portage Community School District for at least three months. Click here for a PACAP application.
Together, we are strengthening the Portage area through cooperation, care, and community.
River Haven – Portage, Wisconsin
Providing Shelter, Hope, and a Path Forward
River Haven offers safe, supportive shelter and vital community resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Portage area. Our mission is to provide not only a place to stay, but also the care, stability, and guidance needed to help residents rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
River Haven Shelter for Women and Children
108 East Pleasant Street, Portage, WI 53901
(608) 742-7687 | riverhavenshelter.org
River Haven provides temporary housing and compassionate support for homeless women and children. Our staff and volunteers work closely with each resident to connect them to community services, job assistance, life-skills development, and long-term housing solutions.
River Haven Men’s Shelter
211 West Pleasant Street, Portage, WI 53901
(608) 742-7687 | riverhavenshelter.org
The River Haven Men’s Shelter offers a safe, stable environment for men experiencing homelessness, along with access to essential community resources and individualized support. We help residents set goals, find employment, and move toward sustainable independence.
At River Haven, we believe everyone deserves a chance to rebuild and thrive. Through collaboration with local churches, service organizations, and community partners, we work to strengthen lives and restore hope throughout the Portage area.
St. Vincent de Paul – Portage, Wisconsin
Serving Our Neighbors with Compassion and Dignity
At St. Vincent de Paul – Portage, we are committed to serving individuals and families in need through acts of charity, compassion, and community care. Guided by our Catholic values and the mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, we provide practical assistance to help our neighbors meet essential needs and find hope in difficult times.
Food Pantry
1311 W. Wisconsin Street, Portage, WI 53901
(608) 742-5513
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Our Food Pantry provides nutritious groceries to individuals and families in need.
Requirements:
- Photo ID and proof of residency are required for everyone in the household.
- Please bring your own bags for food items.
We are here to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
Free Clinic
In partnership with the Wisconsin Dental Association
Basement of Wilz Hometown Pharmacy
140 E. Cook Street, Portage, WI 53901
(608) 234-0159
Wednesdays: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The St. Vincent de Paul Free Clinic offers free medical care to adults and children on a first-come, first-served basis — with no financial restrictions.
Services provided include:
- Diabetic education
- Foot clinic
- Pediatrics
- Internal medicine
- Family medicine
- Cardiology
Services not available:
Chiropractic care, DOT exams, narcotic prescriptions, obstetrics, disability exams, pregnancy tests, STD testing, immunizations, physical therapy, WIAA or preschool physicals.
St. Vincent de Paul Store – Portage
1311 W. Wisconsin Street, Portage, WI 53901
(608) 742-5513
Our thrift store offers gently used clothing, furniture, household items, and more. Every purchase supports local outreach programs, including the food pantry and free clinic.
Together, our ministries of faith, service, and community care strive to make a meaningful difference for our neighbors in Portage and the surrounding area.
Child Care Assistance – Wisconsin Shares
Helping Working Families Afford Quality Child Care
Address: 111 East Mullett Street, Portage, WI 53901
(888) 794-5556 | dcf.wisconsin.gov/wishares
Wisconsin Shares is a child care assistance program that helps low-income working families pay for quality child care while parents work, look for work, or attend school or approved training programs.
Through this program, eligible families receive financial support to make licensed or certified child care more affordable, ensuring children have a safe and nurturing environment while parents build financial stability.
Key Benefits:
- Financial assistance based on income and family size
- Flexible options for licensed and certified child care providers
- Support for parents who are working, job searching, or in training
To learn more about eligibility, application requirements, or participating providers, contact the Wisconsin Shares office or visit the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families website.