A person who lacks a “fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence” is defined as homeless by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The definition includes four broad categories of homelessness: 1) People who are living in a place not meant for human habitation, in emergency shelter, in transitional housing or are exiting an institution where they temporarily resided; 2) People who are losing their primary nighttime residence, including hotels and motels and lack resources or support networks to remain in housing; 3) Families or children who are unstably housed and likely to continue in that state because of disability or multiple barriers to employment; 4) People who are fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, have no other residence and lack the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.
Safe and affordable housing is a top need and priority within Monroe County, per the 2023 community health assessment. 11% of households (about 2,000 residences) are at or below the poverty level. Because of housing challenges within our community, the Monroe County Housing Coalition has started the Total Navigation Team (TNT) for those who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. The Total Navigation Team (TNT) of Monroe County is made up of multiple community organizations who work together with target community members to help find solutions to overcome some of the barriers that they face that make it hard to obtain and/or maintain housing or otherwise achieve self-stability. We bring resources to community members in one place and can link community members to resources they need. Starting on January 15th, 2025, TNT will be held on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 10am-12pm at CouleeCap, 217 N. Black River St. Sparta, WI 54656. For questions, please contact CouleeCap at 608-424-2278.
Any additional organizations who would like to join TNT should reach out to Dana Casberg at CouleeCap by phone 608-424-2278 or email dana.casberg@couleecap.org; anyone who is interested in joining the Monroe County Housing Coalition is encouraged to reach out to Jesse Todd at Family Promise of the Great Rivers at 608-487-2745 or by email at director@familypromiseofmonroecounty.com.
Follow the Monroe County Health Department Facebook page for updates and reminders.
No responses yet