More Than a Meal: Responding to Increasing Homelessness in the Fox Valley

For many of our guests at Loaves & Fishes of the Fox Valley, a visit begins with more than just a friendly hello. It starts a conversation, one rooted in dignity, compassion, and a commitment to understanding how we can best help each person who walks through our doors.

Rising Homelessness in The Fox Cities

In recent years, the need in our community has changed dramatically. According to local coalitions, homelessness in the Fox Cities has surged from just 5 individuals in 2021 to 249 in 2025. This sharp increase has been evident in our meal programs, where we began welcoming more guests experiencing homelessness than ever before.

Our food assistance program quickly recognized that many of these guests were facing urgent, daily survival challenges. While a hot, nutritious meal is essential, it is often not enough on its own. Guests reported an immediate need for sleeping bags, tarps, coats, underwear, socks, clothes, hygiene items, and nonperishable food—items critical for safety, health, and survival.

Listening and Responding to Unique Needs of Our Unhoused Guests

In response, we made it our mission to truly listen. By taking the time to understand each guest’s situation and working closely with community partners, we began gathering the resources needed to address these urgent gaps. Today, while guests enjoy a hot meal, our staff can also help fulfill requests for essential items, providing support in a way that is respectful and responsive.

We also recognized another important reality: people experiencing homelessness often cannot carry large quantities of food. Whether living on the streets or staying temporarily in their vehicles, limited space means traditional food pantry options aren’t always practical. To meet this need, we created snack kits specifically designed for mobility and nutrition.

"People experiencing homelessness often cannot carry large quantities of food... we created snack kits specifically designed for mobility."

Snack Kits Meet Needs of Portability and Nutrition

These kits include high-protein meal bars, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, and Gatorade—items that are easy to carry, require no preparation, and help sustain energy throughout the day. For many guests, these snack kits are a critical supplement that helps them get through long hours without regular access to meals.

The impact of this shift in services has been substantial. In 2025, 96% of our newly registered guests reported experiencing homelessness, representing a 70% increase compared to 2024. And as we move through this year, we continue to see many individuals without stable housing turning to Loaves & Fishes for help.

These numbers tell a powerful story, but the heart of our work remains centered on people, not statistics. Every conversation, every meal served, and every item provided is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves compassion, dignity, and hope.

Help Empower our Neighbors in Need

At Loaves & Fishes of the Fox Valley, we remain committed to evolving alongside our community’s needs, offering not just food, but understanding, partnership, and a path forward for our neighbors who need it most.

Help support our neighbors, donate to Loaves & Fishes today.

How Your Gift Helps:

• $50 provides 5 portable snack kits

• $100 funds 15 hot, nutritious meals

Donate Today