The Sojourner House provides a safe, clean place for adult men and women who are experiencing homelessness; affirms the Christ-like dignity in every individual through compassionate presence, listening, and hospitality; and empowers people to rebuild their lives with the engagement of the greater community. Guests can sleep overnight, shower, wash their clothes, and eat breakfast while ensuring their personal dignity, respect and safety.

The Sojourner House opened its doors on November 1, 2011. We are a year round facility that serves those who are experiencing homelessness from 7 pm in the evening to 8 am in the morning. We can provide sleeping arrangements for up to 36 men and 16 women (capacity of 52). Everyone is welcomed into the shelter as long as they are respectful, kind, and considerate to all other guests, volunteers, and staff. No substances, weapons, or pornography will be permitted on the premises. A core staff is employed by Catholic Charities, with a large supplement of volunteers for support! We are all unique individuals and together we create community!

Extreme Weather Procedure
Through out the winter months, many of our service areas where we provide outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness will be under extreme cold weather conditions. As we anticipate extreme cold temperatures, we will implement our Extreme Weather Procedures at all Catholic Charities Community Homeless Facilities.

When temperatures between 7 pm and 8 am are anticipated to drop at or below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, Catholic Charities Community Homeless Facilities will open their doors to an overflow capacity. These facilities will also lift temporary bans allowing community members to get out of the freezing temperatures.

During this time, we want to continue offering a safe, warm place for men and women to get out of the elements. Please pray for those we serve and our staff during this extreme weather!

How can you partner with us? We need your Time, Treasure, and Talent!
Volunteer - We need 10-20 volunteers each night. Food Prep, In-Take volunteers, Tote Room volunteers, and AM volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please check out our Volunteer Page and sign up to become part of the mission.

Monetary Support - Donate today to help us keep the lights on, staff available, and services available to help our guests find more sustainable housing.

Sojourner House Renovations Begin - May 23, 2022

Sojourner House
Sojourner House Renovation 3
Sojourner House Renovation 2
Ground breaking 5.22

Groundbreaking Ceremony held May 23. Thanks to everyone who attended with special thanks to DOA Secretary-designee, Kathy Blumenfeld and Mike Basford, Director of Interagency Council on Homelessness for joining us on this day! We are also very grateful to our CC Board Members Fr. William Dhein, Michelle Farrow, and Jeff Wieser who offered their support! We are looking forward to the expanded services we will be able to offer to the Chippewa Valley!

Keep up-to-date, check out all the photos of our Sojourner House Renovation by joining our Sojourner House Facebook group or by following us on Instagram.

Renovation Update Week of 6.3.2022
Removed blacktop pavement.
Removed the flower bed and landscaping.
Began excavation for the footing foundation.
Replaced the old sanitary pipe with new pipe.
Began preparations for plumbing shutdown on 6/8.
Completed excavations for the exterior footing foundation.

4

Renovation Update Week of 6.10.2022
Formed and poured exterior concrete footings.
Capped and removed gas line going through foundations.
Successful water shut down and upgrade complete.
Water turned back on during construction hours.

1

Renovation Update Week 6.17.2022
Formed and poured exterior frost wall foundations and pier foundations.
Installed sleeves pre-pour for plumbing undergrounds.

2

Renovation Update Week 6.24.2022
Completed exterior wall foundations.
Underground stormwater piping connections to curb inlet.
Interior water piping rough ins in the existing building.
Backfill foundations and place slab base material.
Excavate elevator pit and interior pad footing.

2
Elevator Shaft Wall

Renovation Update Week of 7.1.2022
Poured elevator foundation walls.
Poured pier footing.
Stripped wall and footing forms.
Back filled foundations.
Excavated interior thickened slab sections for wall support.

Renovation Update Week of 7.22.2022
Mobilized wood framing materials on site
Began exterior wood wall framing and sheathing
Framed/erected the wood wall for the elevator shaft

7-15 5
Framing Progress 2

Renovation Update Week of 7.15.22
Completed underground plumbing and electrical rough ins.
Completed backfill and re-grading.
Prepped and poured interior concrete footings.
Poured finish slab on grade.
Xcel Energy installed new power pole.

Renovation Update Week of 7.29.22
Continued wood framing
Continued wall blocking and sheathing
Delivery and erection of steel framing

More photos available for viewing on our
Sojourner House Facebook group
and Instagram page.

Gov Evers - 3.2.2022 - Sojourner House Funding
The Sojourner House received $1.5 million from Governor Evers Department of Administration’s Neighborhood Investment Fund. This important funding will be used for the expansion and renovations of the Sojourner House in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. These funds will help us create a space for increased social distancing in shelter, updating handicap capabilities, enlarging the women’s dormitory, as well as allowing a second floor for offices to meet with those we serve and provide much needed wrap around services. We will continue to provide more information as it becomes available. Thank you Governor Evers, State of Wisconsin, and the City of Eau Claire for this wonderful support!

How can you partner with us? We need your Time, Treasure, and Talent!

Volunteer - We need 10 - 20 volunteers each night. Food Prep, In-Take volunteers, Tote Room volunteers, AM volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please check out our Volunteer Page and sign up to become part of the mission.

Monetary Support - Donate today to help us keep the lights on, staff available, and services available to help our guests find more sustainable housing.

In-Kind Donations  - Do you have access to other in-kind items? Our guests could use the following items:

Summer Requests:

  • Bug Spray
  • Sunscreen
  • Bottled water
  • Heat-resistant, individually packed snacks
  • Backpacks

 

Winter Requests:

  • Winter Boots
  • Men’s Winter Coats Large-3X
  • Hand Warmers
  • Toe Warmers
  • Long Johns
  • Shampoo
  • Tooth Paste
  • Razors
  • Deodorant
  • Sugar
  • Milk
  • Cereal
  • Coffee
  • Coffee Creamer