Housing First

Permanent Supportive Housing

Western Dairyland is providing long-term housing and ongoing support for 33 chronically homeless individuals and families in Eau Claire and Altoona. Using the Housing First approach, we prioritize providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness, thus ending their homelessness and serving as a platform from which they can pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life.

Clients are given an assessment by a case manager, and those who are deemed most vulnerable are placed directly into apartments. These apartments are not all in one location, but spread throughout the community to help clients reintegrate more quickly. Once housing is provided, a case manager works with the clients in the areas of mental and physical health, substance abuse, education, and employment.

In comparison, other homeless programs have moved clients through different levels of housing - temporary shelters, followed by short-term transitional units, and then subsidized housing.

This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to provide long-term housing for individuals and/or families. Furniture, housewares and cleaning supplies for the apartments are being donated by community members and local businesses.

If you need assistance, call us at 715-836-7511 or 715-985-2391 or fill out a housing pre-screen form.