Shining Light
The purpose of this newsletter is to share our goals and vision for HHCS
with our volunteers and supporters. Each of you has made a difference
in the lives of the guests at HHCS. Thank you for your support!
Archive of past Shining Light Newsletters:
1st Qtr 2008
4th Qtr 2007
3rd Qtr 2007
2nd Qtr 2007
1st Qtr 2007
4th Qtr 2006
3rd Qtr 2006
2nd Qtr 2006
1st Qtr 2006
4th Qtr 2005
3rd Qtr 2005
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PAST NEWS ARTICLES
Thanks to the Nurse's Club at WITC in late 2007
The Nurse's Club at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College recently held a drive for HHCS.
In the photo are:
Back row L-R: Margaret Torgerson (student); Rev. Barb Certa-Werner; Julie Kantarik
(nursing faculty)
Front row L-R: Tina Pourciau; Alissa Frias; Linda Davis-Barlau
End of Year Report-2006
Be Heard
Write to Representative Dave Obey expressing your concern for the Citizenship Verification Requirement
as it pertains to homeless families and low-income individuals. Here is a sample letter highlighting
the problems and possible solutions
(Letter (PDF);
Letter (Word)).
Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs): A High Price to Pay to Borrow Your Own Money
The enticing TV and radio ads have begun, encouraging taxpayers to apply for
a speedy Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL). But before people go running to the nearest
tax preparation company, consumers should be completely aware of the high costs
associated with a RAL and know that there are other speedy options out there that
are completely free. In 2003, approximately 114,000 Wisconsin taxpayers paid
about $28.5 million in RAL and associated fees . An average tax refund of $2,000
can carry RAL-associated fees of $250 or more. That is equivalent to paying an
annual interest rate of 521% for a ten-day loan! Plus, if a refund is delayed or
denied for any reason, the consumer is responsible for paying back the loan as
well as all fees, which typically increase dramatically after ten days.
Taxpayers can visit any free tax preparation site, commonly referred to as
VITA, where they can have their taxes electronically prepared for free. By
e-filing a return, the refund can be directly deposited into the taxpayer's
checking/savings account within a matter of days, all free of charge. But if
a person does not have a checking/savings account, several dozen VITA sites
have partnered with local financial institutions to offer taxpayers the opportunity
to open a personal checking/savings account while visiting the VITA site. Opening
an account would allow a taxpayer to receive a refund via direct deposit within a
few days. In addition, the new account holders would also be able to build their
credit histories and more easily save money by not having to pay for check-cashing
services.
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If you are homeless or are a service provider and need to make a referral, please contact
HHCS at: