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For Families 

Click here for the Spanish version of this page

Housing by Application through Coordinated Entry

See the Homelessness Resources page for more information on Coordinated Entry or click HERE 

Emergency Family Shelter

Phone: (608) 250-2298

About this resource: The Emergency Family Shelter welcomes homeless families seeking immediate overnight shelter. In addition to shelter, families are offered meals, shower/laundry facilities and case management. Transportation to/from school may be arranged fir school-aged children.

Who can use this resource? Families experiencing homelessness seeking immediate overnight shelter.

Next Steps:

  • Families must call the shelter before noon and express need for shelter that evening. Call will be returned between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to confirm or deny space in the shelter for the evening.

    • If you do not have a phone, you can submit your name in-person at the Salvation Amy of Dane County.

  • Families sign-in for the shelter at 4:00 PM

  • Families who are approved for the shelter are invited to share dinner with us at 4:30 PM.

  • All families must exit the shelter by 8:00 AM.

**Salvation Army asks for identification (IDs and Social Security cards), but it is not necessary to enter the shelter.

Rapid Rehousing // YWCA

Phone: (608) 257-1436 Option 2, Housing First Coordinator

About this resource: Rapid Rehousing is a one-year program providing families with rent assistance and supportive case management services. The Rapid Rehousing Program follows the Housing First model, which has been extremely successful in other communities.

Who can use this resource? Anyone in need of housing

Next Steps:

  • Contact the Housing First Coordinator at 608-257-1436, option 2 to learn more about this program.

Family Housing Stability Program // YWCA

Phone: (608) 257-1436, Option 2

About this resource: The Family Housing Stability Program is a collaborative effort between the YWCA Madison and United Way of Dane County. It is a shelter program that serves homeless families who have not yet entered the shelter system. It provided families with short-term supportive case management services and a small amount of rental assistance.

Who can use this resource? Anyone in need of housing assistance.

Next Steps:

  • To learn more about this program, call the Family Housing Stability Coordinator (608) 257-1436, Option 2.

Second Chance Apartment // YWCA

Phone: (608) 257-1436, Option 2

About this resource: The Second Chance Apartment Project helps homeless families establish transitional, affordable housing, and supportive services. They serve 16-20 families at any one time.

Who can use this resource? Any families experiencing homelessness

Next Steps:

  • In order to be considered for this program, families must be on the community-wide priority list. To add your name to the list, call the Salvation Army at (608) 250-2298.

Housing-Ability Program // YWCA

Phone: (608) 257-1436, Option 2

About this resource: The Housing-Ability Program serves homeless families who have at least one disabled adult in the household. This program helps families move more rapidly out of the shelter system (or avoid shelter altogether) and maintain permanent housing.

Who can use this resource? Homeless families who have at least one disabled adult

Next Steps:

  • Call the Housing First Coordinator at (608) 257-1436 to learn more about this program.

To find out about cold weather night exceptions, visit this website:

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