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Western Dairyland Receives $600,000 State Grant for One Better Way Capital Campaign

May 14, 2026

Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council Inc. (WDEOC) has been awarded $600,000 through the State of Wisconsin to support the One Better Way capital campaign, a collaborative project focused on addressing homelessness and housing instability in Eau Claire.

The funding was announced by Governor Tony Evers as part of a statewide investment in community development and public service projects and will support the development of the new Day Resource Center, located at 1 Better Way in downtown Eau Claire. WDEOC has now raised $5.3 million towards a $6.4 million goal, with significant community support from the City of Eau Claire, Pablo Foundation, dozens of local businesses, churches and faith-based organizations, and hundreds of individual donors.

The project co-locates Western Dairyland’s Housing & Family Services programs alongside the Community Haven House, operated in partnership with Hope Gospel Mission. Dozens of community partners are involved, including healthcare providers, housing agencies, employment services, veterans’ organizations, and other nonprofit groups serving the region.

“This investment is an important step forward for our community and for the individuals and families experiencing housing instability,” said Anna Cardarella, CEO of WDEOC. “We’re bringing services together in a coordinated, accessible space where people can find support, stability, and a pathway toward permanent housing. We are deeply grateful to Governor Evers and the State of Wisconsin for recognizing the importance of this work.”

More information about the One Better Way capital campaign, including ways to contribute, is available at www.OneBetterWay.org.

Additional information about state-wide projects funded through the State of Wisconsin is available here.