Bright yellow van in La Crosse helps transform lives with WINN's mobile mission
- tjkaio7777
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Jack Mulvaney
Mar 12th, 2026
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – Six years ago, as the COVID-19 pandemic impacted communities nationwide, Sue Graf of La Crosse and her colleague took action to assist neighbors in need. Her initiative to help those experiencing homelessness evolved into a nonprofit called What I Need Now, or WINN which is celebrating 5 years of service in the community.
The bright yellow van of WINN is a familiar sight in La Crosse.
Sue Graf, executive director of WINN, said, "We’re a mobile mission to serve our unsheltered neighbors and meet their immediate needs. Things like basic clothing, hygiene items, handwarmers, building relationships, and making referrals for further services."
Graf, along with volunteers, stock the van with supplies daily before venturing across the city. They aim to meet individuals where they are, offering food, warm clothing, and connections to shelters and other services.
"Many of the people that I serve that I’ve known for the 15 years that I’ve worked with the unsheltered population consider me a friend, they consider me a mentor, some of them consider me a mother and at this age some a grandmother," Graf said.
WINN averages about 35 contacts a day and has assisted 334 individuals this year. Graf emphasized that help is given without judgment and every interaction is unique.
"Success is defined differently for each unique individual we serve. For some people it’s just giving a hand up getting into housing then a job. For some folks it’s addiction treatment. For some folks it’s just meeting them right where they are, caring about them just as they are," said Graf.
Graf is motivated by witnessing people find housing, seek treatment, or simply realizing someone cares about them.
"The ultimate goal of WINN is to go out of business because we’re not needed. Everyone has shelter, housing, and their daily needs met. So, that’s our ultimate goal, but until then we will continue," Graf said.
Sue Graf mentioned that there are challenging days, but they are significantly outweighed by the positive experiences in the community.
WINN is always seeking volunteers and donations, and more information can be found at their website.