Sojourner House to Continue Year-Round Services
numerous Chippewa Valley organizations and individuals helped close Sojourner House's 'summer funding gap'
McKenna Scherer, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
This spring, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse announced it was considering the potential reduction of Sojourner House operations – cutting its year-round offerings to just six months per year – due to declining funding. Sojourner House is the Chippewa Valley's only year-round overnight shelter, located in downtown Eau Claire.
As conversation continues in the Chippewa Valley regarding its growing homeless population, the news hit hard. In the months since, community members and organizations have rallied in support of Sojourner House (618 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire), as announced by Catholic Charities.
On Monday, June 2, Catholic Charities shared a media release stating it will continue Sojourner House's year-round services.
"While today we celebrate, we also invite continued support. Whether through donations, volunteer hours, or advocacy, the success of Sojourner House depends on ongoing community involvement. Together, we can ensure that no one in our region has to face the night alone."
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE DIOCESE OF LA CROSSE
JUNE 2 MEDIA RELEASE
"Today, we are pleased – and profoundly grateful – to announce that the funding gap for 2025 has been filled," the release states. "This incredible achievement was made possible through collaboration with a wide range of partners, including members of the faith community, local units of government, fellow nonprofits, and countless individuals who stepped forward in this time of need."
The organization noted the following organizations as key partners in "closing the summer funding gap and committing to future solutions for Sojourner House": Eau Claire Community Foundation, City of Eau Claire, Fr. James Kurzynski-St. Olaf Parish, Pablo Foundation, Department of Administration-Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources, City of Altoona, Eau Claire Catholic Deanery, and Diocese of La Crosse.
"Beyond bridging the immediate funding gap, these conversations have also laid the groundwork for greater financial sustainability," the release states. "While today we celebrate, we also invite continued support. Whether through donations, volunteer hours, or advocacy, the success of Sojourner House depends on ongoing community involvement. Together, we can ensure that no one in our region has to face the night alone."
Read the full media release below:
With the Help of Community Partners, Sojourner House Closes Funding Gap and Will Remain a Year-Round Resource for the Chippewa Valley
Eau Claire, WI, 6/2/2025
Earlier this year, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse announced the potential reduction of services at Sojourner House, the Eau Claire-based emergency night-by-night shelter, due to a significant funding shortfall. Increased operational costs, combined with reductions in grant funding and donor support, raised the serious possibility of limiting services to only six months a year.
Today, we are pleased—and profoundly grateful—to announce that the funding gap for 2025 has been filled. Sojourner House will continue to operate year-round, providing critical services to those experiencing homelessness in the Chippewa Valley.
This incredible achievement was made possible through collaboration with a wide range of partners, including members of the faith community, local units of government, fellow nonprofits, and countless individuals who stepped forward in this time of need. Their generosity and commitment have ensured Sojourner House can remain a place of safety, dignity, and hope.
Beyond bridging the immediate funding gap, these conversations have also laid the groundwork for greater financial sustainability. We are optimistic about Sojourner House’s long-term future—but we know our work is not done. The coalition of partners that supports Sojourner House must continue to grow to meet the evolving needs of our community.
While today we celebrate, we also invite continued support. Whether through donations, volunteer hours, or advocacy, the success of Sojourner House depends on ongoing community involvement. Together, we can ensure that no one in our region has to face the night alone.
Although not every partner is listed here, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who played key roles in closing the summer funding gap and committing to future solutions for Sojourner House:
Learn more about Sojourner House and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse at www.cclse.org. Sojourner House (618 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) has a Facebook page to share updates and additional information.
