One Better Way
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council (WDEOC) is beginning the pre-campaign process of a $6.4 million capital campaign to purchase and renovate a building to co-locate Housing & Family Services Programs and a Day Resource Center (DRC) for the unhoused. Located at 610 Gibson Street, the facility will meet a critical need by providing daytime shelter, resources, and services at one easily accessible location for people experiencing homelessness.
- The building will provide year-round daytime shelter in a modern facility. Bathrooms, showers, storage areas, and congregate meeting spaces will be available to anyone in need. These services, provided by Hope Gospel Mission, will replace and expand upon those offered by the current Community Haven House at 416 Washington Street, which does not have funding beyond 2025.
- The building will include expanded offices for programs operated by WDEOC: Housing First, Rapid Rehousing, Homeless Prevention, Homeless Assistance Program for Youth, Family Shelters, Housing Stability, and Fresh Start. These programs will move from their current location at 418 Wisconsin Street in downtown Eau Claire.
- Additional space will be available to local businesses and community organizations serving the homeless community. Our goal is to provide immediate relief, then connect our clients with the resources they need to succeed.
WDEOC has established a campaign fund with the Eau Claire Community Foundation, which is currently at $1.8 million. This includes a $500,000 contribution from the City of Eau Claire, $422,000 from Pablo Foundation, and donations from Mayo Clinic Health System, local businesses, and community members.
Media Coverage
The Location
After looking at more than 50 properties and receiving feedback from local businesses and community groups, 610 Gibson Street was selected because it 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 Partners
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council (WDEOC), a non-profit serving western Wisconsin since 1966, has hired Crescendo Fundraising Professionals to lead the capital campaign. WDEOC will purchase the building, oversee renovations, manage the facility, and occupy approximately two-thirds of the total space with offices dedicated to assisting low-income families and individuals.
Hope Gospel Mission (HGM), a nonprofit with long-standing experience serving people struggling with homelessness and addiction, will provide staff and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Day Resource Center. HGM will make its day shelter services inclusive and low-barrier for everyone needing services without discrimination.
A campaign fund has been established at the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF). The mission of ECCF is to strengthen our community by offering donors opportunities to establish charitable legacies, by making grants, and by serving as a catalyst to address community needs.
Community groups, non-profits, health care providers, and businesses providing services to the homeless community will have access to office and meeting space in the new building.
Local ENDORSEMENTS
City & County
- Eau Claire Police Department
- Eau Claire Fire Department
- Eau Claire City Council
- Eau Claire County
- City of Altoona
- Dunn County
- L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library
Health
- Mayo Clinic Health System
- Marshfield Medical Center - Eau Claire
- Chippewa Valley Free Clinic
- The Wellness Shack
- Apple Pregnancy Care Center
- Essential Health Clinic
Homeless Shelters
& Housing Services
- Beacon House (Family Promise of the Chippewa Valley)
- Bolton Refuge House
- Community Haven House
- Eau Claire Tenant-Landlord Resource Center
- Hope Gospel Mission
- Knight Transitional Housing
- Salvation Army
- Sojourner House (Catholic Charities)
Community Organizations
- Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
- Eau Claire Community Foundation
- Workforce Resource, Inc.
- YMCA of the Chippewa Valley
To learn more about the campaign and ask general questions, contact:
Katie Hulbert, WDEOC Director of Housing & Family Services
Phone: 715-985-2391 x1203 Email: katie.hulbert@wdeoc.org
