The leaves are changing colors, the air is cooler, and we have to admit that summer is over and autumn is upon us. We've started the process of transitioning our clothing van from summer wear to warmer clothing that provides comfort and safety for the cooler temperatures.
One of our long-time and dear friends passed away recently. Chuck was well-known in the community and had been a volunteer with us for a period of time. If you knew Chuck, you'd have been given a true friend. He had a wonderful sense of humor and compassion for others. He often talked about his time in military service, shared philosophical views, and loved a good joke. We were saddened to hear of his loss and wish peace to him and his family.
Chuck.
Picture used with the consent of the family.
We've been serving approximately 60+ visitors when we're out, and many faces are new to us each week. Two people came to us without shoes last week; we were able to provide footwear to both, and they were very grateful. One woman commented that she would take whatever we had, as she knew the temperatures were only going to get cooler and her safety would be at risk. She had a tank top on and was grateful for the t-shirt, hoodie, sweatpants, and socks that we provided.
This woman appeared to be in distress.
Emergency Services were called to assist.
The street ministry visits our brothers and sisters who end up in our County jail or state prisons for various reasons. For anyone, being in jail and having their needs met isn't always easy. Often, people going into the correctional system are poor and unable to fund their own needs. Families may not be able to help or be willing to help due to their own logistics. Often, facilities are run by the county or state, but some of the services within are privatized: medical care from nurses and physicians has a fee attached. Medications cost inmates money (this adds up quickly for people with significant medical diagnoses), and inmates have to decide whether they can afford the costs of healthcare. Certain clothing needs to be purchased or brought in, phone service is completed with a prepaid card, and other items need to be purchased via the canteen system. We do assist with some of these needs, but more importantly, the social support that we provide on the outside is continued from inside the walls. Our brothers and sisters often have no family or friends to call on, so we go to them. Sometimes, a few words of encouragement from someone they know make all the difference in the day. The street ministry has made hundreds of visits over the last 13 years to remain supportive of those we serve.
Waiting to get into the local shelter
Please take a look at our Needs List for up-to-date requests. We cannot do our work without you; that is a fact. Please donate if able. Feel free to reach out with questions.
Blessings to all,
Chippewa Valley Street Ministry Staff
Please review our needs list.
We are happy to take gently used items, but we request that all items be
in working order (working zippers, all pieces present, etc.) and clean.
We are in greatest need of:
Financial donations
*Hoodies: XL, 2XL, 3XL*
*Sweatpants: Men's sizes L, XL, 2XL*
Boxer Briefs -- M, L, XL
*Gloves - stretchy, one-size fits all*
Tarps -- 4' x 6' or 6' x 8'
(Items with * are in greatest need.)
Donations can be made online via PayPal at our website.
Chippewavalleystreetministry.org -----> click on 'How can I help' -----> Donate
or,
directly at the PayPal website by searching Chippewa Valley Street Ministry.
The following QR code is also available:
Checks can be sent to: Chippewa Valley Street Ministry, PO Box 51, Eau Claire, WI 54702
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. **
