Hope Village Center in Chippewa Falls.

Mayo Clinic Health System says it will invest $900,000 in organizations in Wisconsin and Minnesota that address pressing needs related to housing, food insecurity, access to healthcare, and safe places for learning and youth enrichment.

According to a Dec. 20 Mayo Clinic announcement, two of the organizations serve people in the Chippewa Valley who struggle to find housing:

• Haven House Day Resource Center in Eau Claire will receive $100,000, which will help address the increased need to support the unsheltered and homeless population. The community is working to establish a new facility for people experiencing homelessness, so they have safe shelter and access to supportive services to help move toward overall wellness, employment, housing, and stability. Haven House is currently located at 412 Washington St., but is seeking a permanent site.

• Hope Village in Chippewa Falls will receive $130,000, which will support the organization’s work to address the shortage of affordable housing in the Chippewa Valley. Hope Village is embarking on a $2.7 million campaign over the next five years to build and maintain a small community of temporary and transitional tiny homes, affordable housing duplexes and six-plexes. This gift will provide the funding needed for two duplexes slated for this year.

These and other organizations were chosen based on community needs, how their work aligns with Mayo Clinic’s mission, and Mayo’s history of collaboration with each organization.

“These community organizations make a real difference in supporting the well-being of the people of Northwest Wisconsin,” says Richard Helmers, M.D., regional vice president, Mayo Clinic Health System in Northwest Wisconsin. “Mayo Clinic Health System is proud to support their mission as part of our commitment to the communities we serve.”