Common Council

looking forward to finding a location for a permanent men's shelter

Madison must develop a purpose-built permanent shelter for men who are homeless. While I respect those who take the position that an imperfect site is better than no site, my responsibility as an alder is to weigh the long, medium, and short term implications of any decision. I believe it is a mistake to approve an inadequate site. Let's spend another year and get it right.

This was a difficult decision.  City Staff and members of the public devoted a great deal of time and effort in identifying possible sites. Their work is noticed and deeply appreciated. After much thought, my decision was based primarily on a key set of facts: the Zaire Road location is too far away from downtown, from other services including those on the west side, and current bus travel times are long. While we offer reduced bus fares, they are not free which compounds the hardship.

During the deliberations, I heard from people with different perspectives on the site. I listened and was impressed by the passion, intelligence, and caring that everyone expressed to me, regardless of their position on the issue. I believe people can honestly, sincerely, and respectfully disagree on a decision or issue and then move forward to find areas of agreement. That is what I will continue to do and the kind of Alder I will be.

The need to find a permanent shelter for men who are homeless – a site/building which offers services, safety, dignity and which is part of a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness in Madison – is a pressing need. We must get it right. I look forward to working with all stakeholders in order to make it a reality.