MADISON, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Congressman Mark Pocan joined Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway to visit the Salvation Army of Dane County to highlight a $4 million federal investment to help build a new emergency shelter, affordable housing units, and community center for women and children experiencing homelessness.
Senator Baldwin and Representative Pocan secured the funds as part of the bipartisan 2023 federal funding bill. The new shelter and community center are part of a $50 million, two-building campus that includes a multi-family apartment complex with affordable housing units. This campus will provide emergency housing for families and people who identify as a woman, and wrap-around services – such as medical respite for those needing care, mental health programs, and connecting people to permanent housing —to help end cyclical homelessness.
“Too many of our friends and neighbors struggle to find affordable housing, forcing many to experience housing insecurity and homelessness, and it’s just not right. Housing insecurity and homelessness have lasting impacts our our mental and physical health, economic stability and sense of security, especially for children,” said Senator Baldwin. “That’s why I was proud to deliver this $4 million investment with Congressman Pocan that will expand access to affordable housing, emergency and safe shelter, and the wrap-around services that people need to help end the cycle of homelessness.”
“I’m pleased that Senator Baldwin and I were able to use the Congressional appropriations process to secure a $4 million grant to build a new emergency shelter and community center here in Madison,” said Representative Pocan. “It’s wonderful to see Community Project Funding heading to the Salvation Army to ensure families have a safe place to stay as they transition to permanent housing.”
“The Salvation Army is grateful to receive this grant for the construction of the new shelter,” said Major Andrew Shiels, Salvation Army Capital Area Coordinator. “The Salvation Army Capital Area Command’s goal is to improve living conditions, health, and economic well-being and provide safe shelter for those in the Dane County community. Families searching for a safe, secure place to stay rely on us for care and support while they get back on their feet. The $4 million grant spearheaded by Senator Baldwin and Representative Pocan demonstrates a commitment from our elected officials to create a stronger community here in Madison.”
The City partnered with the Salvation Army to create a safe and comfortable space for families experiencing homelessness at the old Karmenta facility, and is in discussions with the agency about purchasing their current site in the Darbo Worthington neighborhood, contributing capital funding for the East Washington project.
“Serving women and children experiencing homelessness is a critical service for the Madison community,” said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “I’m grateful to Senator Baldwin and Congressman Pocan for joining the City in supporting the Salvation Army’s work to create a new shelter to serve this vulnerable population.”
