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Council commits $40,000 from flexible housing CIP to support Sojourner House this summer
Summary
After a work-session discussion with Catholic Charities, the council agreed to a $40,000 city commitment from the flexible housing CIP to help Sojourner House bridge a budget shortfall and stay open year-round.
City Manager Steve Hirsch told the Eau Claire City Council at a work session on April 22 that the city will commit $40,000 from the flexible housing capital-improvement line to help Catholic Charities operate Sojourner House this year.
The request followed a presentation from Catholic Charities representatives Rob Grover, advancement director, and Roberto Partner, executive director. Partner told the council the Sojourner House’s operating budget is roughly $850,000–$900,000 annually and that a “perfect storm” of reduced donations, higher personnel costs and a capital‑campaign shortfall left the shelter with a substantial gap. Partner said the agency drew about $120,000 from reserves and secured $80,000 in state funds but still faced roughly $200,000 to cover this year’s operations.
Several council members said they supported a short-term city contribution while Catholic Charities works to shore up long-term funding. Council Member O’Shaughnessy…
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