Stepping Stones of Dunn County operates several shelters in the Menomonie area. One of those, a family shelter on Broadway Street, suffered an accidental fire on Christmas Day in 2025. While no one was in the building at the time of the fire, those utilizing the units were displaced. (Submitted photos)

Months after the Christmas Day fire that displaced those residing at a Stepping Stones of Dunn County's family shelter, restoration efforts are now in motion.

One of those shelters, located on Broadway Street in Menomonie, suffered from an accidental fire on Dec. 25, 2025. No one was in the building when the fire occurred. 

"The loss of these units has put pressure on a system that has already faced a full wait list," a late April media release from Stepping Stones shared. 

Stepping Stones, a food and housing support-focused nonprofit, operates four homeless shelters alongside its myriad services. The family shelter that caught fire, first opened in 1994, offered three units.

The largest unit sustained the most damage, Executive Director Corrisa Villeneuve told Volume One, with the other two units also suffering from smoke and water damage. The units' shared basement, where laundry was done, sustained water damage as well.

As the family shelter continues repairs, Stepping Stones is calling on the community for support.

"(Monetary gifts) allow us to cover the rising costs of the restoration, interior furnishings and safety upgrades," Villeneuve said.

"We are still finalizing the full scope and cost of repairs. We are anticipating unexpected costs throughout the process which will cause out-of-pocket costs beyond what insurance provided."

Earlier this week, the damaged building saw more water damage from the heavy spring rainfall. Occurrences like this, Villeneuve added, contribute to additional repairs costs for the shelter.

While monetary gifts are currently the most effective way to support Stepping Stones' mission, volunteers are nearly always needed, Villeneuve said.

The nonprofit has served the Menomonie area for nearly 40 years. For those interested in donating toward the family shelter’s restoration, visit www.steppingstonesdc.org. For those interested in volunteering, contact Julie Bendel at j.bendel@steppingstonesdc.org.

Learn more about Stepping Stones of Dunn County (1602 Stout Rd., Menomonie) online and keep up with the organization's efforts on social media.