County Executive, County Board Chairman Announce Initiatives to Help Homeless
December 10, 2007
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
County Executive
More Beds During Winter, Year Round Shelter, New Job Placement Program Included
(Madison)….Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and County Board Chairman Scott McDonell announced a series of initiatives Monday intended to help the area’s homeless population.
$147,500 in new dollars is in the 2008 county budget to meet increasing demands for homeless services during the winter, dollars to develop and operate a year-round shelter, and a first time job assistance program to help homeless individuals find work.
“These new services expand upon Dane County’s nearly $3-million commitment to help those in our communities who have the greatest need,” Falk said.
$50,000 is for a first of its kind program to help the homeless get jobs. These dollars were included in the 2008 county budget to provide specific case management to link the homeless with employment opportunities.
“It’s a priority for the County Board Chairman and I to help people get back on their feet as quickly as possible and out of the cycle of homelessness. A job is the best way to do that,” Falk said.
Dane County Human Services will issue a request for purchase (RFP) for agencies interested in providing the job management service.
$97,500 was added so that the Salvation Army can operate a shelter year-round to serve the homeless. Currently these services are only offered in the winter months.
“While the need is most evident during these months of bitter cold and snow, reality is homelessness is a year-round challenge that as a community we can’t turn a blind eye to,” County Board Chairman Scott McDonell said.
While the winter shelter will remain at its current location, the Salvation Army is currently looking for a facility to expand its year-round shelter into. Churches or community centers interested in hosting this shelter are encouraged to contact the Salvation Army.
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