The Sconi

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi and Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway have announced plans for a $9 million investment in the state’s first shelter for homeless men across the city.

“City-County announces additional $9 million investment in men’s homeless shelter,” Rhodes-Conway posted on Twitter, highlighting the sides continued partnership. “A new commitment from @DaneCoJoe represents the single largest investment in the Dane County Capital Budget.”

The 40,000-square-foot facility, slated for construction in 2024, will house 200 men and will be erected on the city’s east side. Already, the county has earmarked $9 million for the project, an increase of $3 million from the original estimate, which is to be added to the $10 million from the city and a $2 million federal grant.

The new shelter will provide accommodating and safe showers, laundry, kitchen facilities, isolation and quarantine beds, welcoming spaces and supportive services to help re-home and reestablish the patrons.

Supporters of the plan add that the housing crisis in Madison was intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating a project as big as this one.

“A purpose-built shelter with housing-focused services will fill a critical need in our community,” Rhodes-Conway said in a press release. “County and city government has an important role to play in addressing this persistent and growing challenge. The combined commitment of $21 million toward a purpose-built shelter, set forth in our respective capital budgets, is a long overdue step to fill a gap in our community. But for this facility to be successful in connecting people experiencing homelessness with stable housing, we must also be willing to invest in this comprehensive approach. Government cannot do all of this without help from the private sector.”