Income
Our Vision
Dane County Families are economically stable.
Our Goal
Increase the number of families, particularly families of color, who become economically stable through strategies that integrate family-sustaining jobs, secure housing and food supports.
Why It Matters
When individuals have jobs earning family-sustaining wages and safe and affordable housing, they are less stressed and more able to provide for themselves and their families. Currently, 77.4% of Dane County individuals have an income that is 200% above the Federal Poverty Level (2015-2019 U.S. Census 5-year estimates) leaving 22.6% of residents struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, housing and health care. Federal Poverty Level in 2021 = $26,500 for a family of four.
Impact on Local Individuals in 2021
76%
were employed at $15+/hour (456 individuals).
83%
maintained housing and avoided eviction (2,051 individuals).
89%
did not return to prison (205 individuals).
How We Invested in 2021
Investment: $3,806,066
Agenda for Change Programs: 31
Solutions Team Volunteers: 15
Program Participants: 7,625
Strategies
Increase the number of individuals who obtain or maintain stable housing through case management and financial assistance.
Increase access to healthy food as a housing strategy to free up funds in family budgets for rent.
Increase the number of individuals who gain family-sustaining employment.
Increase the number of individuals who receive education services to gain family-sustaining employment.
Provide Residency, Employment, Treatment, Education and Support (RESET) for returning citizens (formerly incarcerated individuals).
Housing Help When It’s Needed Most
Affordable housing is central to creating economic stability for local families. In addition to our annual community investment in programs and services to end homelessness, we launched the Affordable Housing Fund in 2018 to address funding gaps, increase the stock of workforce family housing and prioritize housing projects by nonprofit developers. We have secured more than $400,000 in donations to create a sustainable source of funding as loans are repaid. Current projects include:
The Graaskamp 44 units on East Washing Avenue by Madison Development Corporation, completed in summer 2020.
A joint project by Movin’ Out and Red Caboose Childcare, with 38 residential units and a childcare center, at Milwaukee Street and East Washington Avenue, beginning construction this year.
Two new affordable housing projects are recommended for this year – Uno located on the west side of Madison, and the Klassik to be built in Verona.
United Way of Dane County Invests in Income Programs at These Agencies
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Madison
Centro Hispano
Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin
Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C)
Habitat for Humanity of Dane County
JustDane
Literacy Network
Middleton Outreach Ministry
Porchlight
Sankofa Behavioral & Community Health
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
Stoughton Area Resource Team (START)
Sunshine Place
The Road Home Dane County
The Salvation Army of Dane County
Urban League of Greater Madison
Vera Court Neighborhood Center
YMCA Madison