Sojourner House and Positive Avenues create temporary 24/7 shelter

Eau Claire (WQOW) – In order to more effectively help the homeless, two groups are temporarily pooling their resources under one roof.

During the pandemic, both the Sojourner House and Positive Avenues, a program under Lutheran Social Services, are providing a 24/7 shelter at the Hobbs Ice Arena in Eau Claire.

The temporary combined shelter has 70 beds. In addition to getting some sleep, people can also receive a free lunch and snack, use the shelter’s phone and take a shower. There’s also hygiene products and social workers on-site to lend a listening ear.

Officials say pooling their resources makes it easier for guests to stay out of the elements and get what they need.

“It feels really good. It’s a place to make a safe place for our people and have them so that they’re not out there. It can be stressful at times; I’m not going to lie. But it is also a very nice thing that we’re doing and we’re all working together,” said Alyssa Greene, a family and community services professional with LSS Positive Avenues.

To help keep everyone healthy and safe, staff and volunteers screen guests for any COVID-19 symptoms, clean the facility twice a day, check temperatures, and space the beds at least six feet apart.

If you would like to donate a meal or volunteer during the daytime from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., contact Kim Campy at Lutheran Social Services (Positive Avenues) at 715-864-5689 or email kimberly.campy@lsswis.org.

If you are interested in volunteering in the morning, evening, or overnight, contact Clare Nelson at Catholic Charities (Sojourner House) at 715-450-1457 or email cnelson@cclse.org.

Katrina Lim

Positive Avenues will remain open during COVID-19 pandemic

Eau Claire (WQOW) – People struggling with homelessness in our area will continue to have a vital resource.

Positive Avenues on Putnam Street in Eau Claire is considered an essential service under the governor’s Safer-at-Home order so it will remain open.

Staff asked News 18 to stay outside of the day-center in order to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Positive Avenues serves 50 to 70 clients a day giving them free meals, bus tickets, and access to computers. They also provide hygiene supplies and storage space for belongings.

Program manager Linda Cole said it’s important now more than ever that they stay open during these uncertain times.f

“As people’s routines are disrupted and regular doctor appointments may be canceled, Positive Avenues is committed to serving as a day-time resource center for those that come there,” said Cole. “And many of the other places in the community are closed so we’re one of the only places that’s open during the daytime.”

The facility is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during its winter hours, and five days a week during the summer. Cole said staff will reevaluate if they need to extend those summer hours due to the pandemic.

https://wqow.com/2020/03/24/positive-avenues-will-remain-open-during-covid-19-pandemic/

By Katrina Lim