Catholic Charities Madison has announced a new partnership with Dane County to operate the homeless day resource center planned at 615 East Washington Avenue near downtown Madison. The agreement and other details were provided during a news conference at Catholic Charities Madison Sept. 7.
“Catholic Charities is proud to be chosen for this opportunity to make an impact in our community and to specifically help so many men, women and children who face the daily challenges of living on the streets of Madison,” Catholic Charities Madison President and C.E.O. Jackson Fonder said. “We are in a unique position to work with our current partners, and collaborate with other community organizations to operate a facility that addresses the needs of our homeless neighbors.”
Catholic Charities Madison was selected as the center operator by Dane County through a request for proposals submission process. The goals for this partnership include support for those suffering from poverty, refuge from the elements, offering referrals to appropriate services as needed by each individual, providing direct services like a computer lab, laundry, showers and storage, and building trusting relationships. Catholic Charities Madison plans to hold neighborhood information meetings for input on the center, and is working with other providers to collaborate on services. Leaders from many of those organizations stood on stage during the news conference in a show of approval for the partnership. Diocese of Madison Bishop Robert J. Morlino and United Way of Dane County Executive Vice President for Community Impact and Strategy Deedra Atkinson also spoke in support.
The County recently purchased the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce two-story building for $1.75 million. The Chamber is set to relocate by November, then work will begin on the renovation of offices into the resource center at an estimated cost of $1 million.
“This is an important step towards helping our community members who have fallen on hard times gain access to critical services,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “The day resource center will help connect people to jobs, housing, and other services that are available. Solving this challenge will take partnerships like this one to truly make a difference. Thank you to all of our partners who have stepped up to the plate to help our community’s most vulnerable.”
Dane County and Catholic Charities are currently negotiating a contract that will need to be approved by the Dane County Board and signed by the County Executive. The process is expected to be completed by November.
This partnership with Dane County supports the long-time mission of Catholic Charities as a ministry of charity and social justice dedicated to providing help to those in need and hope to those in despair through compassionate, caring service.
Catholic Charities Madison already joined with Bethel Lutheran in the expanded operation of the Winter Day Resource Center within the church located at 312 Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Madison. This partnership will provide services and support to bridge the gap until the day resource center is ready to open its doors by the summer of 2017.
