The following announcement was made from Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity council regarding a recent financial gift and their plans for the money:
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.”
