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News


510 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire WI 54701 • 715.835.3734 Map to the Cathedral


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News

 

 

It seems that each time we write, we make note that the number of people we serve is growing. This journal entry is no different: the population continues to increase. One night we served 59 guests and the next night we served 63.  We're preparing for 70 guests per night, a significant increase from a year ago.  What is even more troubling is that many of the people we see each night are new to the street and unsure how to navigate their situation. At some point, will there be enough services to provide to the people in need? 
 
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Pictured L to R: 
Julian Emerson, Andrew Werthmann, Mike Basford 
were chatting prior to CVSM activities.
 
We had some visitors one evening last week: Mike Basford, Director of Interagency Council on Homelessness from the State Department of Administration; Andrew Werthmann, Eau Claire City Council member; Julian Emerson, long-time journalist and homeless advocate.  The men, all who have shown support of the street ministry for several years, were with us to not only observe the Street Ministry in action but also to engage in conversation with the people we serve in order to better understand their challenges in our city. The night of their visit was particularly busy: we served around 70 guests.  When we arrived, there were people laying by nearby buildings; many people were waiting in line for food or other items; we listened to people expressing frustration over their day's events. Among the subjects that we discussed with our guests was our local hospital closures and the fallout we expect we'll see as a result of the ending of services: primarily mental health care but medical treatments, as well. We also talked to them about the shelter's capacity and what happens to our visitors when they can't stay due to the shelter being at their limit of guests. We appreciate the time our visitors spent with us and hope they gained knowledge and understanding from the experience. Interesting fact: because of Mike Basford and his interest in our organization, our journal was once shared with Governor Evers!  We were honored for the opportunity to share the stories and facts of our city's streets with our State's leader.
 
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Cora - providing food and beverage to a visitor
 
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When we arrived this day, there were people 
finding shelter near this building.
 
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Brent - talking with a visitor that is accepting some snacks.
Occasionally, we'll have extra treats/snacks to distribute. They are
always appreciated by our guests. 
 
We spoke with a woman who has been using crutches for several weeks following a surgical repair of some ligaments. She is tired but opted for crutches rather than a wheelchair or knee walker in order to not have to transport more equipment while she attends classes at the technical college. She is more than half-way through her first semester and determined to complete the program.
 
We also had a visit from Chelsea from the Eau Claire Tenant Landlord Resource Center. We've connected to share resources for people in need and support one another's missions. Thanks, Chelsea!
 
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Chelsea - Eau Claire Tenant Landlord Resource Center
Speaking to visitors about their day and any needs they have. 
 
There's a man that we've spoken with several times who is trying to manage several chronic conditions while living on the street, he concerns us. He has both heart and lung disease as well as deficits of other systems. He appears to be an older adult and quite vulnerable. He asked for boots and a blanket, both of which were available. Both chronic and acute medical and mental health conditions are difficult to manage without permanent housing. 
 
Please continue to keep our homeless friends in your thoughts and prayers.  While our needs list will be sent out soon, please be aware that we are in need of blankets and sleeping bags.  If you have any of these items that are in good repair and you are willing to donate them, please let us know.  Again, our needs list will be available soon with these and other needs.
 
Blessings,
CVSM 
 

Don G. Olds


April 22, 1942 ~ March 6, 2024 (age 81).

Don Olds, age 81, died unexpectedly on Mar 6, 2024, at Mayo Clinic, Eau Claire WI. He was born on April 22, 1942, in Neenah, WI to Orville and Dorothy Olds.

Don grew up in Mosinee WI with his parents, sister, brother, and a large extended close family. He graduated from Mosinee High School and attended Wausau Technical Institute, earning an associate degree in Residential Design. He met his wife Anita LaMere in grade school, and they went on their first date in June 1956. Don and Anita were together for 68 years and celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in 2023. They moved to Eau Claire WI in Jan 1963 for a job with HH Kleiner Lumber Company which Don later acquired, and it became Eau Claire Lumber and Design.  Don was a friendly, fun-loving athlete, salesman, and community-minded individual.  He enjoyed softball, hockey, football, bowling, tennis, and golf. He gave back to the Eau Claire community as a member of the Sunrise Exchange Club, his church, and most importantly his Masonic affiliation.

Don became a member of Sanctuary Lodge #347 F.& A.M. of Wisconsin in Eau Claire, which was the start of his journey with his Masonic Brothers. He was raised to a Mason in 1994 and one year later, joined the Scottish Rite Valley of Eau Claire, becoming a 32nd degree Master Mason. He served as Master of the Lodge for two separate terms in his 29 years of service. In 2011, Don was coroneted as an Honorary 33rd degree Mason, one of his proudest accomplishments.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Stuart (Kim), his wife Anita's parents, her sister and husband. He is survived by his wife Anita, sister Connie (Bill), sister-in-law Kim (Stuart), daughters Becky Graf, and Molly Peterschmidt (Dan), grandsons David Graf (Alicia), Joe Graf, Tom Peterschmidt, Ted Peterschmidt and great-grandson Gavin. 

A visitation and service will be held on March 13, 2024, at the Eau Claire Masonic Temple, 616 Graham Ave.  Visitation will start at 10 am, and services following at 11 am.

The family requests that those who wish to remember Don, please make a donation to “The Historic Eau Claire Masonic Preservation Fund” in lieu of flowers.

Checks can be made payable to the ECMBT Building Preservation Fund. This donation will continue to honor our Eau Claire community through a man who supported and/or touched your life, whether you knew him or not. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family click here

  1. Peace for the Masses- April 20, 2024 2:00 PM
  2. Chrism Mass ~ March 27th
  3. Purchase our Fair Trade Coffee grown in Haiti
  4. In-person Worship (or live stream at home) this Sunday at 9am