Hope Gospel Mission has received invaluable support from community members like you who share our compassion to help those who are struggling with homelessness, addiction, and mental health needs in our community. Today, we would like to invite you to participate in The Hope Learning Center Campaign.


The Heart
of Hope Gospel Mission


Hope Gospel Mission is more than a typical homeless shelter. While a typical homeless shelter focuses on providing a roof, warmth, and food, Hope Gospel Mission focuses on wellness through holistic programming.

Current programs are the result of 25 years of experience in serving those struggling with homelessness, addiction, and mental health needs in our area. Through these programs, we come alongside a person where they are in life. Professionally trained staff look at and help residents address the root issues causing them to struggle with homelessness, addiction, and mental health needs.

The place that encompasses the heart of the mission is the Learning Center. It's here that those root issues are uncovered and true trauma recovery begins. It's the core of what we do.


To Donate
"It’s such an honor to be part of the life-changing program that takes place at the Learning Center. The program helps residents address both practical and deeper issues of their lives by empowering them with the tools to learn, grow, and gain healing, restoration, and recovery. A bigger space would make way for more individual lives to be transformed; that’s something you can’t put a price on."

- Kailey, Renewal Counselor at Hope Gospel Mission
The Problem
Homelessness, Addiction & Mental Health Needs are increasing in our communities


The need has grown by nearly 20%
From 2015 to 2022, the number of residents staying at Hope Gospel Mission each night increased by an average of 11% year over year.

Treatment is too expensive
According to the 2019 Health Assessment, addiction is a growing problem partly because treatment is too expensive and people cannot easily access services for substance use treatment.
The Problem
Homelessness, Addiction & Mental Health Needs are increasing in our communities


4,750 mental health related incidents
According to the Eau Claire Police Department there have been over 4,750 mental health related incidents and double the state average of drug-related arrests in recent years. (Volume One 5/14/2021)

Increased drug use
According to the 2019 Health Assessment, addiction is a growing problem partly because treatment is too expensive and people cannot easily access services for substance use treatment.
"In my law enforcement career, I have witnessed first-hand what addiction does. It destroys lives of those struggling with addiction and their loved ones. It is good to see that Hope Gospel Mission works to give people struggling with addiction more than just a place to live, but provides the counseling, life skills, budgeting, and a hope for their future when they leave the Mission."

- Allen Myren, Eau Claire County Board Supervisor, Retired Eau Claire County Deputy Sheriff/Detective
The Need
Limitations of the Current Learning Center


As the number of residents continues to grow, we've increased bed capacity and program offerings; now adequate program space and privacy have become a concern. We've reached a point where a new, larger learning center to accommodate this increase is needed.
Lack of Space & Privacy


Confidential Counseling Space
There is a lack of privacy and meeting space. Conversations can often be heard from office to office. An additional construction job trailer is being utilized to provide more meeting space.

Insufficient Workstations
When there are more than 24 residents, program staff have to adjust where and what residents can work on throughout the day.

Accessibility & Efficiency
Program staff currently have offices at three different Mission locations.
Lack of Space & Privacy


Transportation Inefficiencies
In the course of a year, over 4,000 hours of program time are lost due to transporting residents to and from the learning center.

Inadequate Office Space
The current learning center has 10 staff members sharing 7 offices.


Limited Parking
The construction trailer, resident vans, staff, and Building Hope customers all use the same parking area.
"Our heart for how we serve our community has outgrown our space. A new learning center would create the opportunity for us to meet the rising needs of our community and offer increased hope and healing to the individuals we serve."

- Rachel Schrader, Renewal Counselor at Hope Gospel Mission
Our Solution
The Hope Learning Center


The new Hope Learning Center will help serve residents cohesively with more program space and essential services. This is where the majority of the rebuilding and renewing of a resident's heart and mind takes place. The design of the new 8,664 square-foot Hope Learning Center will meet immediate and projected needs.
The Benefits


Increased Computer Workstations
The new classroom will have 42 computer workstations providing residents with adequate space to efficiently complete their work and access needed resources.

Additional Conference Rooms
Additional conference rooms will provide the space for more small group discussion and processing groups.

Strategic Location
The new learning center will be located next to the Hope Renewal Center for Men. This location will provide many efficiencies including additional program time for residents.

Program Team Collaboration
The entire program team of intake, renewal counselors, program management, and chaplains will have offices at the new Hope Learning Center.

The Benefits


Quiet Space
The feeling of security and calmness is critically important. Especially for new residents, who maybe suffering from trauma or withdrawal, and needing time to acclimate to the Mission.

Group Meetings & Training
The largest conference room will accommodate all program staff at the same time for team meetings, classes, continued education, and training opportunities.


Technology Improvements
New projectors, screens, computers, and other technology upgrades will be added to enhance programs, provide online class options, and allow for confidential virtual meetings.

Additional Program Options
With a larger facility, there will be an opportunity and the space needed to offer animal-assisted therapy for residents.


"Hope Gospel Mission has been helping people who struggle with addiction and homelessness for 25 years. As we see the need increasing in our communities, it is good to see organizations like Hope step up to give people a place and opportunity to change their lives. This new project will provide even more tools and resources to help those most in need."

- Jerry Jacobson, President of Northwestern Bank