Few would argue that the scenic drive through Northwestern Wisconsin is often a portrait of tranquility. It offers vast stretches of pine trees, the shimmering expanse of Lake Superior and quiet towns tucked away from the rush of urban life. But for Clair Van Camp, these roads represent something more profound. It is a way to connect with the tenants she serves, who are more than just residents.
In August 2025, Van Camp stepped into the role of Regional Manager for Catholic Charities Bureau in Superior. It is a position that demands a unique blend of logistical precision and deep-seated empathy. Entrusted with the oversight of the Superior Region, Van Camp manages a portfolio of 207 units of affordable housing designed specifically for low-income seniors and individuals living with disabilities.
Her territory is a study in contrasts. On any given day, Van Camp might be navigating the urban setting within the cities of Superior and Duluth. Next, she could be heading into the more remote corners of Douglas and Bayfield counties, meeting with residents who often greet her with a friendly smile.
Mission of Dignity
At the heart of Van Camp’s work is the fundamental belief that a home is more than four walls and a roof. While the residents under Catholic Charities Bureau care are looking for independence and security, they also want to be seen and feel supported.
“When I started this job I had little property (management) experience,” Van Camp noted, having previously been working in campus ministry. “What I have done is planning a lot of events and working with people. That is what really attracted me to this position.”
Sitting with Van Camp for any period of time will back-up this statement. While sitting in her Superior office during a week-day afternoon, numerous residents stopped by to ask a question, pick up an important document or simply say “Hello.” She greets each and every one of them with a warm smile.
“The goal is more than just providing a place to live,” Van Camp said. “For many of our residents, they want to have a voice and have someone to talk to if and when they have a concern. My job is to make sure that this place is a stable one for them and they feel supported.”
Transitioning into this role during the late summer, Van Camp hit the ground running. The Superior Region is expansive, with 10 buildings spread throughout the region. And the needs of its residents are as diverse as the geography itself. Coming from a small town just outside of Eau Claire, she said she enjoys the road trips to the rural locations and meeting with the residents. It also is a balance, being that person who wants to engage in a friendly conversation, along with managing the logistical hurdles of property maintenance in areas where help is not always just around the corner.
“What I appreciate so much about our residents is that they want to take care of us, just as much as we want to take care of them,” Van Camp said. “Whenever I stop by they offer coffee and cookies. We have great conversations and often spend a few more moments with the standard ‘Midwestern Goodbye’.”
Leading with Compassion
Since joining Catholic Charities Bureau, Van Camp has become known for her personal approach. She is not a manager who stays behind a desk. She is frequently seen walking the halls of the complexes, checking in with co-workers and, most importantly, listening to the residents.
Whether it’s a senior citizen who has lived in the same Superior apartment for many years, or a young adult with a disability finding their first sense of autonomy in a Catholic Charities Bureau unit, Van Camp said she treats every resident’s story with the same level of importance. She understands that a sudden change in housing status or a maintenance issue can be more than just an inconvenience, it can be a crisis. Her role is to prevent those crises before they happen.
With affordable housing, there is the need to re-certify every year and submit new paperwork. She has been working with residents to help in the process, including the important tasks of figuring out what needs to be filled out and where to sign.
“It also is a chance to meet with them and get to know them personally,” Van Camp added. “We talk about their lives, sometimes I get to meet family members. They even bring up issues with their apartment that they have meant to bring up for a while, but had not yet done so.”
The Catholic Charities Legacy
Catholic Charities Bureau has been a pillar of the Twin Ports and Northern Wisconsin for generations. Van Camp is thankful that Clarence Lodge, Director of Housing, offered her the opportunity to work with the organization and the tenants they serve.
“I have learned a lot so far on the job and I have enjoyed every aspect,” Van Camp said. “It has forced me to constantly problem solve and find ways to best serve the residents.” She added that working with a great team at Catholic Charities Bureau has made the transition to the new position a positive move.
Looking Ahead
As Van Camp moves further into her tenure, her vision for the Superior Region is clear. She aims to strengthen the sense of community within the buildings, ensuring that affordable housing never feels like institutional housing. She wants the residents to feel just as connected to the mission as those in the heart of the city. Her oversight ensures that these units remain high-quality, sustainable and, above all, welcoming.
Van Camp said that while her job is rarely easy, it is rewarding. It involves strict regulatory compliance and the unpredictable nature of managing infrastructure. Yet, the reward is found in the quiet moments. It can be as simple as a resident’s smile in the hallway or the sigh of relief from a family knowing their elderly parent is safe in quality housing.
When not working, Van Camp and her husband live in Superior and enjoy agate hunting, co-op video gaming and hiking in state parks.
Wade Petrich is an English teacher at Denfeld High School and former publisher/co-owner of the Hermantown Star.
