HOUSING
Our neighborhood-based housing model enables clients to re-engage with society by being a part of the community.
We house our clients in mostly small, 4-8 unit apartment buildings within neighborhoods all across Madison. Our clients feel that they are a part of the neighborhood and community. They are close to important amenities such as bus stops and grocery stores. More importantly, they know their neighbors and they are accepted as part of the neighborhood. The folks in our programs thrive in this environment.
LANDLORD RELATIONS
It seems easy to get off the street and find a home if the federal government is giving you money for rent, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Madison has a very high rental occupancy rate of 98%, meaning the demand for apartments is much higher than the amount of apartments available. Given all their renter options, most landlords won’t risk renting to a homeless person with no job references, often past evictions, and a mental illness.
Housing Initiatives is the landlord of our own units, of course, but we also have a long history of partnering with private landlords. Our agency partners with landlords willing to rent to our clients and provides support for our clients with unique needs. Housing Initiatives will assist our clients if they have trouble upholding a rent agreement. Landlords understand and appreciate that they can call Housing Initiatives if a problem with the tenant arises. We will visit the renter, assess the situation, and connect the renter with a supportive agency they need to correct the issue and continue to be a responsible renter. We’ve successfully assisted hundreds of people in finding and keeping an apartment, by building strong, long-term relationships with local landlords.
OUR CLIENTS BEST TELL OUR STORY
For over 30 years, Housing Initiatives has ended homelessness for more than 800 men, women, and veterans who suffer from a mental illness by providing them with a permanent home and supportive services to help them lead a healthier life.
YOU CAN GIVE THE GIFT OF HOME
Donate today to help us provide quality housing to Madison’s most vulnerable residents.
1110 Ruskin Street – Madison, WI 53704
(608) 277-8330 | info@housinginitatives.org
Anyone who is homeless, concerned about becoming homeless, or looking for a place to sleep for the evening should contact the Dane County Housing Resource line at (855) 510-2323.
To visit our CLIENT WEBSITE – designed for our clients with client needs in mind – CLICK HERE or visit hii-community.org