Who We Are

The Hagar House Inc. is a faith-based nonprofit entity founded in Wausau, WI in June of 2021. It was founded by Jessica Bretl, along with several community partners committed to providing support to single mothers in the greater Wausau area.

Freeing single mothers from cycles of crisis through a Christ-centered community

Empowering single mothers → transforming generations

1 home
Serving 5 FAMILIES
run by a team of staff and volunteers
supported by hundreds in our community.

About the Home

The home provides a variety of services including temporary relief from living expenses, life-skill classes, debt assessment, and budgeting, as well as strong female mentorship. The length of stay will be approximately 6-18 months; an individualized plan will be based upon each family’s needs and goals. There will be a continual and intentional emphasis on residents working towards self-sufficiency and establishing their own healthy home. We know cycles of crisis can be broken and that real hope takes time and commitment.

What is our Why?

The Hagar House is crucial to the health of our community. The following are a disheartening reality of social determinates of homelessness and single mother homes.

  • In the 2020-2021 school year, Wausau School District identified 134 students they deemed were from homeless families.
  • The countyoffice.org lists children below the poverty line in female parent/guardian home at 29.1% in Marathon County. Totaling an estimated 4,300 single mothers.
  • The Justice Policy Institute published an article in July of 2020 stating, “the average state cost for the secure confinement of a young person is now $588 per day, or $214,620 per year, a 44 percent increase from 2014. Where community-based programs provide individualized and wraparound services based on the unique needs of each youth and can cost as little as $75 per day. Such programs engage the family, connect the youth to supportive neighborhood resources, and consistently produce better outcomes than confinement.”

Children of Single Parent Homes Are…

5x

more likely to commit suicide

10x

more likely to drop out of high school

78%

of the current prison population were raised by single moms

Ways To Help

Support The Hagar House

At The Hagar House, we believe in the power of community and the strength that comes from supporting one another. By joining us as a supporter, you have the opportunity to make a direct and visible impact on the lives of single mothers and their families in our community.

Donate
Volunteer

Call with any questions or comments

(715) 298-9994