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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

 Chippewa Valley Street Ministry Journal

January 6, 2025

2025 has arrived and we wish you all good health and happiness in the New Year.  We continue to be busy providing essential services and items to keep our community's unhoused population as safe as possible.  The darkness settles over us as we arrive at our usual site but we have noticed that the shadows are coming a little later each day — there is promise of warmth and light as we all go through each day.  
 
We gained followers and more support over the last year -- THANK YOU! We note regularly that we could not provide our services without you, our support network. Before we talk about the current happenings that we're seeing, we want to remind everyone reading this what we do.  The street ministry started in 2012 and even though we have grown, our mission remains the same: treat those we serve with unconditional love, dignity, and respect. While we provide clothing and food, our presence and service extend further than that.  We are a ministry of presence and often provide care by listening and accepting people for who they are and for the situation they are in. Sometimes by saying less, there is more communication. We are prepared to serve up to 70 people each evening when we go out with food, beverages, clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, and other items that are requested. We are an all-volunteer organization that is faith-based but we do not proselytize. We do not require any identification for services as over many years we've learned that people are often more open and willing to talk if they feel less exposed.  We meet our brothers and sisters where they are at — not just physically but also where they are socially and emotionally.  We are out in the elements with those we serve whether it be rain, snow, cold, or heat. We don't have the protection of a roof just as many of our brothers and sisters do not have the protection of shelter.  We work with our friends on the street, travel to rural areas to provide support, and are available for other circumstances. We have made hundreds of jail/prison visits to provide support while someone is incarcerated to remind them that they matter and have someone in their corner. We've developed an incredible support system that has allowed the street ministry to operate solely on donations for our entire existence. 
 
Pictured are a few of our amazing volunteers: Tim, Steve, Adam and Karen
 
Last week we encountered a man who arrived at our tables shivering and telling us that he needed "everything."  While we gathered clothing and a coat, we listened to his story.  He wasn't sure how the process worked to get into the shelter or what to do the following day.  We encouraged him to use the resources in the community to be safe, warm and fed. 
 
Another man that we've known for several years arrived with a walking boot on his foot. Once his requests for clothing were filled, we assisted him to the shelter. It was unclear as to what his injury was related to, but we all agreed that it was helpful to not have snow banks or slushy sidewalks for him to contend with. 
 
We continue to hear people talk about staying outdoors at night. This is concerning with the cold air upon us.  There are reports of frostbite and damage to skin from the cold. One man complained that he couldn't feel his feet due to the cold and cried in pain. We were able to provide thick, warm socks and boots prior to him walking back into the darkness.  We encourage use of the shelter but for one reason or another, some people can't or won't stay there.  When it is cold out, our conversations are sometimes short to allow the person we're serving time to move on to hopefully safer and warmer areas. 
 
As we move forward into 2025, please take time to review our journals to learn what is happening out on the street, we share what we see and hear.  Our needs list is updated, please help us support our unhoused brothers and sisters. 
 
Thank you, blessings to all.
CVSM staff
 
We gladly accept new AND gently used items. 
*Please be sure any used items are clean and in good condition.*
 
Financial donations - we purchase city bus passes regularly to provide to the people we serve for transportation to work, appointments, and general use. These are costly to purchase in the quantity that we need. We also purchase items that are not donated and are limited in our stock.

Winter boots - warm, in good condition, no dress boots - please.

Sweatpants - People will layer sweatpants over jeans or other pants. We need sweatpants in sizes L and larger

Please note the following information for donations:


Checks and/or gift cards can be mailed to:

CVSM
PO Box 51
Eau Claire, WI 54702

Electronic donations can be made at our Facebook page and our website:

facebook.com/chippewavalleystreetministry
chippewavalleystreetministry.org

For all other donations, our usual drop-off location is:

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
1120 Cedar Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703
(715) 834-2959

(We recommend calling ahead to confirm
the office will be open to accept your donation)

Please contact us to schedule a drop-off if you need a specific time.
Contact us through email, Facebook, or our website.

facebook.com/chippewavalleystreetministry
chippewavalleystreetministry.org

 

@ Christ Church Cathedral

Tickets are required - get them before they sell out!

Purchase link available below

A Cry For Peace
Happy New Year! You may not have heard, but tickets are now on sale for our concert. Trust us, you don't want to miss it!

"A Cry For Peace," an evocative choral concert that delves into the profound themes of pain and suffering born from conflict and violence. Experience a moving selection of music that reflects our shared humanity and the enduring hope for peace.

A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Sleep In Heavenly Peace, a local charity that provides beds for children in need. No kid sleeps on the floor in our town! For more information, visit: www.shpbeds.org

Click here to purchase your tickets now

You're Invited!

CVASING community choir invites singers to participate in the 15th Annual benefit performance for Feed My People entitled "All Nature Sings".  The singers will rehearse 12 songs for 7 weeks beginning on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 2-3:30, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 E. Lexington Blvd., Eau Claire.  The community choir concludes with two performances on Sunday, March 2, at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.  This is a fast-paced short-term commitment for a great cause.  Singers Invited.  Spread the word! 

 January Reflection

As we enter the new year, we are invited to reflect on the gifts of the past year and look forward with hope to the journey ahead. January marks the beginning of the season of Epiphany, a time when we focus on the light of Christ that shines into our lives and the world. It is a season of revelation, of God’s presence being made known to us in new and powerful ways.

In this season of light, we are called to live as reflections of that light. Whether in worship, study, or service, we are reminded that our faith is not only something we hold but something we share. We are called to live it out, to make Christ known through our actions and relationships.

This January, as we gather together for Bible class, worship, and fellowship, may we all be open to the ways that God is calling us to grow in our faith. Take time this month to reflect on God’s guidance in your life and to listen for the ways He might be inviting you into deeper relationship with Him and with others.

As we continue to journey through the season of Epiphany, may we be strengthened by the knowledge that Christ’s light has come into the world, and it shines brightly, even in the darkest times.

May God bless you and your loved ones in the coming year.

  1. Winter Bible Class
  2. New Year Resolutions: A Spiritual Reflection
  3. January Prayer Shawl Meeting
  4. This Sunday ~ January Potluck Sunday