Community comes together as costly tariffs and steep cuts to critical programs including energy assistance, healthcare, and SNAP force costs higher
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Rep. Jodi Emerson joined Opportunity Wisconsin, Climate Power Wisconsin, and local Eau Claire residents to launch the “Fill the Gap Winter Essentials Drive” to support families struggling to afford necessities. With temperatures dropping and the cost of fuel to heat homes rising, many families are forced to make tough budget decisions, including how to pay for winter necessities.
“People are feeling really, really squeezed… so I am really excited when there are groups that get together like this to help fill the need,” said Rep. Jodi Emerson. “Let’s help our neighbors make sure that they stay warm and help them fill that gap so that they can turn on the heat so that their pipes don’t freeze, so that they don’t have a bigger expense of home improvement costs that they can’t afford as well. We’re out there and we hear their stories.”
“Costs keep rising, specifically because tariffs have made everyday goods more expensive. The war in Iran means diesel prices are rising. It’s becoming more and more expensive to afford the things that we need, to go where we’re going, and to heat our homes. We’ve seen cuts to healthcare funding, SNAP benefits, and even energy assistance. The result is that parents are making impossible choices. They’re asking, do I get coats for my kids or do I pay for groceries?” said Ethan Reed, Eau Claire regional organizer with Opportunity Wisconsin.
The winter essentials drive comes as Wisconsin families continue to face mounting daily costs. Republicans in Congress, including Rep. Derrick Van Orden, have cut funding for healthcare, energy assistance, and SNAP benefits, while tariffs and the war in Iran have driven up the cost of everyday goods—including winter essentials.
Specific items needed for the winter essentials drive include: hand warmers, toe warmers, rain ponchos, sleeping bags, tarps, personal care items, food, and drinks. Donations can be dropped off at Acoustic Cafe and will benefit Sojourner House in Eau Claire. The “Fill the Gap Winter Essentials Drive” will run until November 2.
