EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS
The One Better Way Campaign has raised $4.65 million in outright gifts and pledges toward our $6.4 million goal. This total includes contributions from the City of Eau Claire, Pablo Foundation, dozens of local businesses and hundreds of community members.
Project Overview
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council (WDEOC) has started a $6.4 million capital campaign to purchase and renovate a building to co-locate Housing & Family Services Programs and a Day Resource Center (DRC) for the unhoused.
Located at 1 Better Way (formerly 610 Gibson Street) in downtown Eau Claire, the facility meets a critical need by providing daytime shelter, resources, and services at one easily accessible location for people experiencing homelessness.
- On December 29th, 2025, we started providing year-round daytime shelter (7 days per week, 365 days per year) in a modern facility. Bathrooms, showers, storage areas, and congregate meeting spaces are available to anyone in need. These services, provided by Hope Gospel Mission, replace and expand upon those offered by the former Community Haven House at 416 Washington Street, which did not have funding beyond 2025.
- The building includes expanded offices for programs operated by WDEOC: Housing First, Rapid Rehousing, Homeless Prevention, Homeless Assistance Program for Youth, Family Shelters, Housing Stability, and Fresh Start. These programs moved from their previous location at 418 Wisconsin Street in downtown Eau Claire.
- Additional space is being used by local businesses and organizations serving the homeless community. Our goal is to provide immediate relief, then connect our clients with the resources they need to succeed.
WDEOC has established a campaign fund with the Eau Claire Community Foundation, which currently includes a $500,000 contribution from the City of Eau Claire, $422,000 from Pablo Foundation, and donations from local businesses and community members.
