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Western Dairyland to Launch "One Better Way" Capital Campaign

October 7, 2025

Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council (WDEOC) is proud to announce the launch of the “One Better Way” capital campaign in support of a new, permanent Day Resource Center in downtown Eau Claire.

The public is invited to attend a free launch event on November 13, 2025, to learn how this new center will deliver coordinated support to individuals facing homelessness and housing insecurity.

This $6.4 million campaign will lead to the renovation of a building at 1 Better Way (formerly 610 Gibson Street) in downtown Eau Claire to co-locate WDEOC’s Housing & Family Services and a Day Resource Center for the unhoused. As of October 1st, more than $3 million has been raised, including $500,000 from the City of Eau Claire, $422,000 from Pablo Foundation, and $190,000 from Mayo Clinic Health System.

The Day Resource Center will bring together essential services under one roof, making it easier for individuals to access basic needs, case management, and long-term housing pathways to build stable futures. Currently, services are spread across multiple locations, making it difficult for people experiencing homelessness to navigate and access resources.

"This project is about creating a place of dignity and hope,” said Sue Bornick, Campaign Co-chair. “The Day Resource Center will strengthen our community by providing people with the support they need in one welcoming space. It’s been inspiring to see so many individuals and organizations come together to make this vision a reality."

"Individuals experiencing homelessness often face immense challenges in accessing even the most basic services,” adds Becky Seelen, Campaign Co-chair. “This project removes barriers and offers a clear path forward. It represents the compassion and commitment of Eau Claire, and I am proud to be part of bringing it to life."

WDEOC has partnered with Hope Gospel Mission, a local nonprofit with a strong reputation for its counseling and recovery programs for the unhoused, to manage the Day Resource Center. The center will provide protection from the elements, showers, laundry, and other amenities seven days a week. Trained Case Managers will work with every guest, and partner organizations will provide medical and mental health services, assistance in securing employment and housing, educational opportunities, and connections to many other resources.

"At WDEOC, our shared goal is to strengthen the community by supporting individuals in their times of need,” said Anna Cardrella, CEO of WDEOC. “Too often, people assume homelessness is a personal failing, when in truth, many of our neighbors face profound challenges — disabilities, health conditions, or barriers experienced from life trauma — that make stability difficult to achieve. This is a tangible step toward wellness and stability by bringing services together under one accessible location."

When completed, the Day Resource Center will replace the current Community Haven House which is located at 416 Washington Street. Construction is currently underway, and the new Day Resource Center is scheduled to open in January of 2026. 

Capital Campaign Launch Event

• When: November 13, 2025 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM.
• Where: The Florian Gardens | 2340 Lorch Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701.
• Admission: Free and open to the public. 
• Registration: Register by October 15 at www.onebetterway.org Space is limited; early registration is encouraged to secure a seat. If you have questions or prefer to register by phone or email, please contact Dale Karls at dale.karls@wdeoc.org or 715-836-7511.

During the event, a brief program will outline the vision for the new facility, highlight its impact on the community, and feature an exciting special announcement. Community members, local organizations, stakeholders, media, and anyone interested in learning more about the project are encouraged to attend.

About the Location and Street Name

After looking at more than 50 properties, meeting with stakeholders, and soliciting feedback from local businesses and community groups, 610 Gibson Street was selected as the future home of the Day Resource Center. This location is within easy walking distance of needed services and organizations, outside the downtown retail district, close to city bus lines, requires relatively minor upgrades, and is in a safe location.

The unconnected eastern portion of Gibson Street, which starts at S. Dewey Street and ends in a private parking lot, was officially renamed Better Way on July 22, 2025. In addition to making downtown easier to navigate, this name change is in symbolic and strategic alignment with our capital campaign. The new address for the Day Resource Center building is 1 Better Way.