Chippewa Valley Street Ministry Notes
March 1, 2026
We don't speak for everyone, but many of us at the street ministry are anxious for the warmer weather to arrive for both ourselves AND the people we serve. The last evening that we were out was in the mid-30°s and the people we served seemed to be in better spirits with the more manageable temperature. We still had requests for cold winter gear, but the requests weren't asked for with the same level of urgency as when it's much colder.
You may wonder what we provide and how much we actually distribute. We've started to keep better track of this information, and in January, we gave out 126 items. In February, we provided 183 items. In addition to the clothing, gloves, underwear, etc., we provide food and beverages as well as blankets, sleeping bags, and bus passes. The bus passes were in high demand last week as we were told that other locations that typically provide monthly passes were out or not providing them. The bus passes we provide are 3 one-way tickets per pack that we purchase at full cost. We are incredibly grateful for you and your support in being able to do what we do.
People are spending time outdoors with the warmer and drier air.
At the end of one of our evenings of service, a woman paused after taking a bag containing food and beverages. She said that she needed to let us know that she appreciated us being out and for helping her that night and in the past. She continued and said that she never imagined that she'd be in her current situation and homeless. She shared that she had an education, a master's degree, and that she once had a lucrative career. She thanked us again and walked away as she noticed that we had been in the process of packing up. I look forward to talking to her again and learning more about her history and what resources she has and needs. Hearing her brief story was a reminder that each person we encounter has a unique past -- and present. Over the years, we've talked with and served people from various professions: nurses, a retired university professor, an accountant, an attorney... There is no way to know a person's past simply by looking at them.
The bus that transports people from the Day Resource Center to the shelter.
Often, the riders will stop and visit with us before going to the shelter.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Please keep the people we serve and the street ministry in your thoughts. Be safe and well.
CVSM Staff
