Wisconsin Volunteers Count Homeless to Build Better Help

Volunteers in Eau Claire, Wisconsin spent Wednesday night on a mission that's changing lives one data point at a time.

Staff and volunteers fanned out across four counties for the bi-annual point-in-time homeless count. They canvassed Eau Claire, Buffalo, Trempealeau, and Jackson counties through the night, capturing a snapshot that helps secure federal funding and identify what their neighbors really need.

The effort is already proving its worth. Anna Cardarella, CEO of Western Wisconsin Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council, says their count from years past revealed something crucial: people had nowhere safe to go during the day.

That discovery sparked action. The community launched the One Better Way campaign and partnered with Hope Gospel Mission to open a permanent daytime resource center where people can access services, stay warm, and connect with support.

The count has revealed other important patterns too. Homelessness in Eau Claire has risen over the past seven years, but the numbers tell a more complex story. Winter counts consistently show lower numbers than summer tallies because more people double up with family or friends when temperatures drop.

This overnight snapshot does more than generate statistics. It helps communities understand where the safety net has holes and how to patch them. Every person counted represents a need that can now be addressed with targeted resources and programs.

The Ripple Effect

When volunteers walk the streets with clipboards, they're doing more than collecting data. They're building a foundation for real change. The information gathered Wednesday night will flow into federal reports that determine funding levels, but it will also guide local leaders in creating solutions that actually work.

The daytime resource center stands as proof that counting leads to action. What started as numbers on a page became a place where people can access meals, showers, case management, and a path forward.

Official numbers will be verified in early March, and the community will gather again in July for the next count. Each tally builds a clearer picture of need and progress, showing what's working and where more help is required.

Volunteers who gave up their Wednesday night sleep are helping ensure that no one in their community goes unseen or uncounted.