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Dane County & Madison Shelter - Update

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The Long Road to Opening Dane County & Madison's Men's Shelter

The men's shelter has been labor-intensive for everyone involved. The need for men's shelter existed long before I arrived in Madison more than 30 years ago, and it will continue to require our community's attention long after the doors open.

Running for office was never part of my plan. Politics was deeply woven into my Puerto Rican upbringing. My great-aunt was a political figure, and my uncle ran for mayor. I saw firsthand the intensity and chaos that can accompany politics, and for most of my life, I intentionally stayed away from it.

What changed for me was COVID. Watching the pandemic affect housing stability, combined with years of volunteering with organizations serving people experiencing homelessness, motivated me to run for office in 2021.

Since then, I have learned that housing and homelessness touch nearly every part of local government. Zoning, transportation, building inspection, engineering, parks, public works, community development, and many other agencies all play a role in addressing homelessness.

When Dane County recently approved its agreement supporting shelter operations, it brought back a flood of memories about everything it has taken to reach this point.

If you search for the legislative files connected to the shelter, you will find dozens of resolutions that tell the story of this effort. The journey began long before my time on the Common Council, and it has been a privilege to play a small role in advancing it.

There are countless people who have devoted extra time, energy, and care to make this shelter a reality. Madison is a community that cares about its most vulnerable residents, and this milestone belongs to all of us.

  1. Over 8 hours of deliberations

    My second council meeting became my first shelter debate.

    After more than eight hours of discussion, Legistar File # 63920 failed by a single vote. The proposal would have accepted $3 million from Dane County and authorized the purchase of the property at 2002 Zeier Road for use as a temporary men's shelter location.

    That vote delayed the project by approximately one year.

  2. The location

    Legistar File #70582 marked a major turning point.

    The City approved the selection of 1902 Bartillon Drive as the future permanent shelter location and began the process of selecting an operator.

  3. Porchlight, Inc. selected as the operator

    Five months later, the request for proposals concluded.

    Legistar File #73502 approved Porchlight, Inc. as the operator of the future shelter. Porchlight also identified numerous community partners that would help provide supportive services.

  4. Shelter Friends of Dane County

    After Shelter Friends of Dane County was established, the Common Council approved Legistar File #90316, allowing alders to assist with fundraising efforts to support ongoing shelter operations.

  5. Intergovernmental agreement: Council

    After months of negotiations, outreach, and collaboration, the City approved the intergovernmental agreement between Madison and Dane County.

    Legistar File #92946 authorized the agreement, accepted up to $1.148 million from Dane County to support shelter operations in 2026, and amended the Community Development Division budget accordingly.

  6. Intergovernmental agreement: County Board

    Dane County approved the same agreement through Resolution 2026 RES-040.

    Both governments are now formally committed to supporting the operation of the shelter.

  7. Facility Use Agreement

    What comes next?

    The City has completed construction, and the facility is largely ready for use. The remaining step is finalizing the Facility Use Agreement between the City of Madison and the Porchlight Board.

    Once that agreement is complete, an opening date can be announced.

    But the opening of the shelter is not the end of the journey. In many ways, it is only the beginning.

    The shelter is designed to serve up to 250 individuals at one time. That number reflects not only the building's physical capacity, but also the staffing and program capacity that the City and County can sustainably support.

    A 250-person capacity allows staff to maintain manageable caseloads and provide the individualized support people need to successfully transition out of homelessness.

    The shelter is not intended to be permanent housing. It is a place where individuals can access housing navigation, case management, healthcare connections, and supportive services as they work toward stable housing.

Gratitude

This has been an incredible journey, and I am deeply grateful to live in a community that embraces the humanity and dignity of people experiencing homelessness.

Thank you to my past and present colleagues on the Common Council and County Board who supported these efforts over multiple years and numerous votes.

Thank you to Mayor Rhodes Conway for including $1.7 million in the Community Development budget and County Executive Agard for the $1.1 million to support shelter operations 

The amount of work contributed by City staff, County staff, Porchlight staff, and community partners has been nothing short of remarkable.

Community Development Director Jim O'Keefe and Porchlight Executive Director Karla Thennes have consistently answered all my questions, shared information, and worked through challenges throughout this process.

I am looking forward to the day the doors officially open.

And finally, thank you to Shelter Friends of Dane County. Your willingness to step forward and help build long-term financial support for shelter operations will make a lasting difference.

Every dollar truly matters.

What Donations Support

  • Expanded services beyond a night's stay, including housing assistance, healthcare, and stabilization services.
  • Staffing and operations necessary to maintain a true 24/7 shelter model, including security, case management, and support staff.
  • Meals, showers, and daily essentials for men using the shelter.

 

Donate

Shelter Friends of Dane County is a 501(c)(3) organization. The United Way of Dane County and the Madison Community Foundation are assisting with donations.

Donate by Check

Make checks payable to:

Madison Community Foundation
111 N. Fairchild Street, Suite 260
Madison, WI 53703

Please write "Shelter Friends" in the memo line.

Online Donations

Every contribution helps build a stronger system of support for men experiencing homelessness in our community.

Online Donations Shelter Friends of Dane County
Shelter Road
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Portrait of Alder Yannette Figueroa Cole

Alder Yannette Figueroa Cole

District 10
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