Chippewa Valley Street Ministry Journal
October 1, 2024
We're at the end of the month already. It's almost unbelievable that September has come and gone so quickly. We've remained busy on the street: last week we had a day where we served 70 people and most other days we served between 60-65 people. With each ready-to-eat bag of food, we provide two bottles of water and a Gatorade. By the month's end, if we averaged only 60 people per visit, we would have provided nearly 1,000 bottles of water! We give out many blankets each visit as well as clothing such as t-shirts, hoodies, socks, and other basic items. We are blessed to be able to do this work and could not provide what we do without your help. Thank you!
We recently asked some of our visitors about their ability to wash clothes as it seems that we provide the same items to the same people on a regular frequency and we were educated by their response: If someone is not staying at the shelter where there are a couple of washers or dryers, they first have to find a laundromat. They have to have transportation to the location and then they have to have the funds to wash the clothing. I went to a few laundromats to check on the prices and it appeared that the average cost of a wash was $5; that did not take into account the detergent. The dryers were slightly less but even so, the cost of a bus trip and the services and supplies would easily be over $10. For some of our people with no income whatsoever, this is an unrealistic expectation. We do, however, try to limit the frequency of what we're giving out to ensure that everyone can receive something on a regular basis. The ability to have clean clothes and wash them whether in our homes or a laundromat is often thought of as a mundane chore, but it really is a privilege.
As happens every year, we're all preparing for cooler weather. We will soon be swapping out summer clothing for fall and winter needs. With the cooler weather comes concern of cold-related injuries; it doesn't have to be sub-zero for these injuries to occur. Because of this, we'll be prepared with hoodies and sweatpants, warm socks and stretchy one-size-fits-all gloves for a while and then transition to full winter mode. We try to stock up on hoodies all year long and are always happy to accept donations. Please take a look at our needs list to see other needed items.
A woman that we have known for nearly ten years has returned to the street and we are heartbroken with her. She had obtained work and had been involved in a recovery program for the last 2-3 years. She'd had housing and was happy, we were thrilled every time she would stop to update us on her success. We're not entirely sure what happened but she arrived in tears and said she'd lost her housing and her job and had to start all over. She felt that there was no hope, nothing good in her life. We spent time listening, talking, and listening some more. Near the end of the conversation, we asked if she was still sober. Yes, she said. We celebrated that WIN and reminded her that she has the skills to get back to being happy. By the end of the conversation, she said "I'm gonna be OK." Yes, she is. She is strong and we'll be there to support and encourage her as she continues on her journey.
We are seeing an increase in women out on the street. We're not sure why the increase but wonder if it has anything to do with the closing of the Regency motel and the displacement of the people that had been staying there. We know of one woman who was trafficked while she stayed there and is safer now than when she lived there. Other women have come from out of town and stay at the shelter, others are staying outdoors and often with another person. Regardless of where they stay, the women are at risk of assault and being victimized. One younger woman declined to talk with us when we approached her. We would like to have discreetly asked about her safety but she walked away from us. If we get an opportunity to ask, we will do so.
Please review the needs list. As noted, we can only do what we do with your support and donations. If you have any questions, please reach out and check in with us. We are very grateful for your help. Please keep our unhoused brothers and sisters in your thoughts and help us to care for them. We appreciate you.
~ CVSM staff
Our Needs List reflects what we are most in need of. Please help if you are able.
We accept gently used items and prefer that they are clean and in good condition: working zippers, clean, etc.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you!
Hoodies - all sizes (with colder weather coming, many people prefer larger sizes hoodies so they can layer clothing)
Sweatpants - all sizes
T-shirts - Lg, XL, XXL and larger
Boxer Briefs - Med, Lg, XL, XXL (prefer new)
Financial donations: we purchase items that have not been donated
Donations can be dropped off at:
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1120 Cedar Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703
The office hours for donations are Mon-Thurs, 9:30am-12:30pm
Monetary donations can be:
Mailed to: CVSM, PO Box 51, Eau Claire, WI 54702
OR
Donated via PayPal via our website or Facebook page:
Facebook.com/
