Beacon House

For more than a decade, Beacon House in downtown Eau Claire has provided a bright light of hope for Chippewa Valley families who find themselves homeless. The shelter, a collaborative effort among more than 20 local religious congregations, put a roof over the heads of 41 families last year alone. We talked to executive director Kelly Christianson about Beacon House and how you can help it, both during the holidays and year-round.

There are a number of shelters for the homeless in the Chippewa Valley. What sets Beacon House apart?

Beacon House is volunteer driven: Over 400 volunteers from over 20 area congregations provide over 8,000 hours annually. Volunteers staff the Beacon House from 8:30pm to 7:30am every night. The volunteers also provide a hot evening meal and items for their lunches. The Eau Claire Interfaith Hospitality Network spent less than $100 on food last year to feed three meals a day to six families. We also provide case management for families while they are in shelter as well as for six months after they leave to help them find and maintain housing and employment as well as address other barriers that may be affecting their stability.  

How was Beacon House started?

Beacon House was started back in 1995. We are part of a national organization called Family Promise. There are 180 affiliates nationwide. We originally started with our families rotating to a different church each week. In 1999 we purchased the building we are in and opened the doors in 2001. The volunteers maintained their commitment. So instead of our families rotating from church to church each week, the churches rotate to us.

Who makes use of your services?

Most of our families are single moms in their early 20s with about two children, The average family size is just over three. Most adults have no education beyond high school and a disproportionate amount have no high school diploma. All of our families have children. We also serve two-parent, blended, and multigenerational families as well as same-sex couples with children.

How has demand for those services changed in recent years?

We have been full since about 2008. We have five to 20 families to choose from when we have one room open. We make our decisions based off of the situation of the children. Children who are most vulnerable get served first. Sleeping in a car makes you more vulnerable than sleeping in an overcrowded situation.  

What kind of donations – time, money, or other things – does Beacon House need during the holidays (or, for that matter, for the rest of the year)?

Money is best! We can then put that where it is needed! Volunteers are always needed; volunteering through your place of worship is the easiest if you have one. We can make arrangements if you don’t. We utilize volunteers mostly for the meals and overnights but do have some other opportunities. As for donations, diapers, wipes, cleaning products, laundry soap and baskets, dryer sheets, gas cards, and bus passes are needed. Our website (www.beacon-house.org) also has a wish list that is more comprehensive than this.