MAKING STRIDES. With a recent commitment of $422,000 by Pablo Foundation, Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council announced it has received over $1.8 million in pledges and contributions toward its future Day Resource Center (site pictured).

As of May 29, Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council (WDEOC) shared it is closing in on nearly $2 million of contributions and commitments in support of Eau Claire’s first year-round homeless shelter – slated to open January 2026.

On April 1, WDEOC announced its intention to launch a multi-million dollar capital campaign to open a Day Resource Center (DRC) in downtown Eau Claire. Plans for the future shelter – located at 610 Gibson St., Eau Claire – have grown that much more tangible thanks to significant support from community members and organizations.

According to a recent media release, Pablo Foundation has committed $422,000 toward the new DRC, bringing total contributions and pledges to more than $1.8 million. The capital campaign has a total goal of $5.725 million.

"Services will be offered in partnership with multiple local providers, and the DRC portion of the facility will proudly retain the name Community Haven House in recognition of its dedicated volunteer origins."

WESTERN DAIRYLAND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE, MAY 29

Facility floor plans, as shared on westerndairyland.org.

"The DRC will be open seven days a week and will offer daytime shelter, showers, laundry facilities, and access to trained counselors focused on mental health and addiction recovery. Services will be offered in partnership with multiple local providers, and the DRC portion of the facility will proudly retain the name Community Haven House in recognition of its dedicated volunteer origins," the release stated.

“The need for such a facility is urgent,” the release continued. “According to a study commissioned by the City of Eau Claire, access to day services and housing support is one of the most critical unmet needs for Eau Claire’s unhoused population, estimated between 500 and 700 individuals.”

According to the release, the DRC – which will be staffed by Hope Gospel Mission – will also house expanded office space for WDEOC Housing and Family Services. 

“This partnership between WDEOC, Hope Gospel Mission, and community supporters like Pablo Foundation will be life-changing for hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness in Eau Claire,” WDEOC CEO, Anna Cardarella, said. “We are deeply grateful for Pablo Foundation’s investment in this critical initiative.”

The shelter's capital campaign was established with the Eau Claire Community Foundation. Becky Seelen, marketing and corporate communications director for Security Financial Bank, will chair the upcoming campaign. 

"This campaign is about restoring dignity and creating access to critical resources for those who need it most," Seelen said. "By supporting the Day Resource Center and Housing and Family Services, we're building a more compassionate and connected Eau Claire. I'm honored to help lead this effort alongside so many dedicated community members." 

Read the full WDEOC media release below:

Pablo Foundation Commits $442,000 to Support New Day Resource Center in Eau Claire 

Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council (WDEOC) is honored to announce a generous $422,000 commitment from Pablo Foundation to support the establishment of a much-anticipated new Day Resource Center (DRC) and Housing and Family Services Office at 610 Gibson Street in downtown Eau Claire.

The gift from Pablo Foundation brings total contributions and pledges to more than $1.8 million and reflects the foundation’s commitment to enhancing health, housing, and quality of life in the Eau Claire region.

 “Pablo Foundation is proud to support WDEOC’s vision for a community-centered solution that compassionately addresses a proactive approach to help the unhoused in our city,” said Pablo Foundation Executive Director MaiVue Xiong. “This project creates lasting infrastructure for those experiencing homelessness—offering safety, resources, and a path forward.”

The need for such a facility is urgent. According to a study commissioned by the City of Eau Claire, access to day services and housing support is one of the most critical unmet needs for Eau Claire’s unhoused population, estimated between 500 and 700 individuals. The absence of such services impacts public health, safety, and long-term recovery.

WDEOC’s new facility will directly address this need and more. The facility will open in January 2026 and will house expanded office space for WDEOC Housing and Family Services, and a dedicated Day Resource Center operated and staffed by Hope Gospel Mission (HGM).

“This partnership between WDEOC, Hope Gospel Mission, and community supporters like Pablo Foundation will be life-changing for hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness in Eau Claire,” said Anna Cardarella, CEO of WDEOC. “We are deeply grateful for Pablo Foundation’s investment in this critical initiative.”

The DRC will be open seven days a week and will offer daytime shelter, showers, laundry facilities, and access to trained counselors focused on mental health and addiction recovery. Services will be offered in partnership with multiple local providers, and the DRC portion of the facility will proudly retain the name Community Haven House in recognition of its dedicated volunteer origins.

“At Hope Gospel Mission, we know firsthand that healing and stability begin with compassion and consistency,” said Sandi Polzin, Executive Director of Hope Gospel Mission. “This partnership with WDEOC creates a foundation for lasting change in our community, where no one has to face homelessness alone.”

WDEOC is also pleased to announce that Becky Seelen, a respected community leader and volunteer, will serve as Chair of an upcoming capital campaign. Seelen brings a strong network of civic relationships to the role with a background in non-profit management. She serves as Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications for Security Financial Bank.

“This campaign is about restoring dignity and creating access to critical resources for those who need it most,” said Becky Seelen. “By supporting the Day Resource Center and Housing and Family Services, we’re building a more compassionate and connected Eau Claire. I’m honored to help lead this effort alongside so many dedicated community members.” 

WDEOC has established a campaign fund with the Eau Claire Community Foundation. The City of Eau Claire has contributed $500,000, and momentum is growing as additional public and private partners join the effort.

To learn more about the project or make a contribution, visit wdeoc.org/drc.

---- END ----