BRIDGE THE GAP. At 4pm on Feb. 28, Home For Good, a housing nonprofit serving Eau Claire, will participate in the “Coldest Night of the Year,” a nationwide event to raise funds for its local community members facing homelessness. Walkers who raise $150 (or $75 for those under 18) are eligible to receive a branded beanie (pictured) as a “thank you” on event day. (Submitted photo)

Eight walkers, three teams, 10 volunteers and just eight days left. A growing need to address the challenges facing Eau Claire’s unhoused population has driven one local organization to gather folks and participate in the “Coldest Night of the Year.”

Starting at 4pm on Feb. 28, Home For Good, a housing nonprofit serving Eau Claire, will participate in the nationwide event to raise funds for its neighbors who face homelessness.

“Each step and each dollar raised brings us closer to our 2026 goal: to house and support 60 families, including 150 children,” Astri Graceheart, the executive director of Home for Good and event director for Eau Claire’s event shared.

At this free-to-attend event, the nonprofit will lead a walk through downtown, followed by a meal at the Lismore Hotel (333 Better Wy., Eau Claire). Peer-to-peer fundraising has already been in motion, Graceheart said, as together Home For Good is working to raise $20,000 – through sponsorship and donations – toward its pilot programming, “Bridge.”

Eau Claire Home For Good's “Coldest Night of the Year” event schedule:

• 4pm: Check-in

•  4:45pm: Gather for opening remarks by event organizers

•  5pm: Send-off for the walk

•  6pm: Light meal served at The Lismore Hotel in downtown Eau Claire

•  7pm: Departure, until next year's event

Route Details

• Route Distances: View the map, available through Home For Good's webpage online, to see where Chippewa Vallians will be walking

• Rest stop: Opportunities to rest will be available throughout the event, with snacks and refreshments available along the route

• Signage: Routes will be well-signed with our bold blue “Coldest Night of the Year” signs

• Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

• No Pets: Pets are not permitted at the “Coldest Night of the Year” event, except for approved and trained service animals

The Bridge program removes barriers for unhoused folks; selected members would receive short-term support to “bridge the gap” with rent, in addition to receiving financial coaching with community partners.

Graceheart said the $20,000 of funds raised would have the possibility to bring 10 additional families into Home For Good’s programming, who otherwise would not be able to access it.

Across the country, over 50 charities have pledged support toward the “Coldest Night of the Year” and its two objectives, according to Home For Good. Here locally, The Lismore Hotel and Marine Credit Union Foundation are also providing funding via sponsorship of the walk and the Bridge program.

"As we walk together, we'll experience by choice some of what our neighbors must face every night."

ASTRI GRACEHEART

Home For good director, event director

Graceheart said the driving forces of this event have only become possible through the collaborative efforts of community organizers, volunteers, and the organization’s board of directors.

“Our primary goal is just to bring the community out, to share this walk and meal together,” Graceheart said. “As the ‘Beyond the Bridge’ film made so clear, we're only going to build an effective solution to this challenge if everyone gets on board.”

All participants of the “Coldest Night of the Year” must register online and accept the electronic waiver, the nonprofit’s website reads. Waivers will also be available at check-in day-of, at The Lismore Hotel.

For locals who are unable to attend the in-person event on Feb. 28, Home For Good still encourages registration and fundraising; folks are also encouraged to walk offsite with friends and family if able.

Essential items for the walk, Graceheart said, include appropriate warm-weather clothes and shoes, a cell phone for emergencies, a friend or two, and a passion for the charity you are fundraising for.

“As we walk together, we'll experience by choice some of what our neighbors must face every night,” Graceheart said. “Coldest Night of the Year is meant to gather our community to share our progress, firm up our resolve, ignite hope, and build energy for the steps ahead of us!”

Register – as either a team or an individual – for Eau Claire's “Coldest Night of the Year,” organized by Home For Good, online through cnoy.com/register. Visit the “Donate” page to learn more about how to provide funds for the event's mission, or to become a sponsor.