Eau Claire officials and nonprofit leaders gathered on Thursday to celebrate the impending opening of a new Day Resource Center.

The new downtown facility will be jointly operated by Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council and Hope Gospel Mission. The groups hosted city officials, nonprofit organizations, and donors at The Florian Gardens this week to celebrate the impending opening of the site, which will provide critical resources for the unhoused population in the area.

Addressing the needs of the unhoused population has become a major focus for the city. Earlier this year, the Eau Claire City Council voted to approve a $40,000 contribution to the Sojourner House to ensure the facility could remain open year-round amid budget issues. The city also launched a task force and a street ambassador program to connect unhoused individuals with available resources.

Funding for the Day Resource Center was raised through Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council’s “One Better Way” campaign. Becky Seelen is the co-chair of the campaign, and says the goal of the partnership is to provide short-term relief for unhoused individuals while also connecting them to resources that can help them get back on their feet for good.

“The ultimate goal for these individuals, yes we want to protect them from the elements, but we want to help them get to wellness,” she said. “So we want the resources there so it’s not continuing to be homeless and maybe living on the streets or in their vehicle.”

In addition to short-term services like a place to get out of the cold, showers, and internet access, the Day Resource Center will also provide unhoused individuals with access to services like Rapid Rehousing, Homeless Assistance programs for youth, and connections to other available services in the area.

In addition to rising housing costs and a lack of available services, one of the major challenges facing the unhoused population in Eau Claire is the city’s low vacancy rate. Anna Cardarella, CEO of Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council, says the city’s overall vacancy rate is a little over 4%. That figure is below both the state average and levels that would typically be considered healthy.

Cardarella also says the new Day Resource Center is just one part of addressing those issues. “So a program like we’re doing now, this day resource center, it’s needed,” she said. “It’s, you know, part of the process, but we need all three. It’s a stool effect, we need emergency shelter for the day, we need emergency shelter for the night, and we need affordable housing. So without those three things, a community can not survive and thrive.”

Organization officials say the Day Resource Center will begin serving the city’s unhoused population over the coming weeks.

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