Finding a safe place to stay can be very difficult for people experiencing homelessness, especially during cold weather or in emergency situations. In Madison, homeless individuals can access hotel vouchers through city-administered programs—such as the Vulnerable Populations Hotel (VPH) and the Medical Respite Center (MRC)—as well as through statewide networks that include the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Dane County Human Services, and non-profit organizations such as the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. These vouchers provide short-term emergency housing when shelters are full or unsafe.
Coordinated Entry System (Main Access Point)
Madison utilizes a system called Coordinated Entry. This is the primary pathway for obtaining any type of housing assistance for people experiencing homelessness, including hotel vouchers. For example, the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program in Dane County only accepts individuals who have been referred through this system.
The Beacon (Catholic Charities)
The Beacon, operated by Catholic Charities of Madison, does not directly issue hotel vouchers. Instead, it functions as a centralized daytime resource center where you can connect with specialized housing agencies that manage voucher programs and long-term housing assistance.
- Housing Navigation Services: As of January 2024, Urban Triage has taken over these services at The Beacon. Staff are available to help you identify barriers to housing access, apply for housing in the private market, and guide you through applications for subsidized housing.
- In-person hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Coordinated Entry (CE) Assessments: This is the mandatory first step for most housing vouchers in Dane County. You can complete a housing needs assessment (such as the VI-SPDAT) to be placed on the Prioritization List for housing programs.
- Essential Referrals: Staff provide over 280 referrals per month to connect visitors with partner agencies offering support for substance use, mental health, medical services, and Social Security.
If you are in an immediate crisis situation, go directly to The Beacon to speak with a Resource Navigator, who can determine if you are eligible for one of the limited emergency hotel placements available through the Dane County Department of Human Services.
Address: 615 E. Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703 (Enter through the back of the building, on East Main Street).
Phone: (608) 826-8040
Urban Triage
In Madison, Urban Triage offers emergency housing and long-term housing navigation services through a collaboration with ECHO Suites and via its presence at community centers such as The Beacon. While traditional “vouchers” vary depending on their funding source, Urban Triage operates a specific emergency housing program:
- Collaboration with ECHO Suites: Urban Triage partners with ECHO Suites, located on Madison’s East Side, to provide emergency housing for a period of up to 12 months.
- Rapid Rehousing Support: This initiative is part of the Dane County Rapid Rehousing Program, through which Urban Triage covers initial rent (typically the first three months) and provides case management to assist participants in transitioning toward permanent stability.
- Referral Requirement: Access to this emergency housing is strictly limited to referrals made through the Coordinated Entry (CE) system.
Urban Triage offers “Housing Navigation” rather than direct rent payment for most individuals.
- Housing Navigation Services: Specialists assist homeless individuals in identifying barriers, searching for apartments, advocating with landlords, and completing applications for subsidized housing.
- “Doubled-Up” Program (Temporary Shared Housing): A pilot program designed specifically for households with minor children who are temporarily staying with others or paying for their own hotel accommodations without a formal lease agreement.
- Youth Support: Programs such as the “Emerging Adults Transitional Home” specifically assist young people who are aging out of the foster care system or are experiencing homelessness.
Phone: (608) 299-4128
Email: contactus@urbantriage.org
The Salvation Army of Dane County
The Salvation Army of Dane County provides housing assistance primarily through its two emergency shelters, diversion services, and various rapid rehousing programs. While they do not offer traditional “hotel vouchers” to the general public, they administer a specific Medical Shelter program that utilizes temporary lodging for individuals with acute medical needs. The Salvation Army operates the only emergency shelters in the community dedicated to families and single women:
- Family Shelter: A facility open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a capacity for up to 35 families. It is often at full capacity; families must call the intake line at (608) 250-2298 to be placed on the waiting list.
- Single Women’s Shelter: A shelter available exclusively overnight (from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.) for individuals who identify as women or as non-male gender identities. Check-in takes place between 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at 630 E. Washington Ave.
- Medical Shelter: Provides 2 to 7 nights of temporary accommodation for individuals or families with acute medical conditions (e.g., contagious illnesses or post-surgical recovery). This service requires a direct referral from a healthcare provider or Public Health.
The Salvation Army of Dane County offers several programs to assist residents in transitioning to permanent housing:
- Shelter Diversion: A specialist works with families and women to identify alternative housing solutions before they enter the shelter system, sometimes providing direct financial assistance.
- DAWNS (Dane County Assists With New Starts): Provides a rapid rehousing package—including the security deposit and first month’s rent—for families and single women.
- Hotels to Housing: A program specifically designed to provide permanent housing for vulnerable individuals and families who have been staying in hotels funded by Dane County. Pathway of Hope: A long-term, case-management-based program designed for families with children, aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty through housing and job training.
For general inquiries or to check the availability of any program, you may call the main office at (608) 250-2200.
Stoughton Police Department
The Stoughton Police Department (SPD) serves as an emergency point of contact to provide immediate and short-term assistance during crisis situations in Stoughton, WI, including the issuance of hotel vouchers. For long-term housing assistance, they typically refer residents to local non-profit organizations—such as START—or to county-level services.
Through the Salvation Army Outreach Service, Stoughton patrol officers can issue vouchers for a one-night emergency hotel stay to residents facing immediate need. Call the non-emergency line at (608) 873-3374 or visit the department in person.
How to Request Hotel Vouchers or Housing Assistance Programs
- Contact Dane County community outreach service providers (social workers, shelters, or case managers).
2. Contact non-profit organizations—such as the Salvation Army or Catholic Charities—in Madison.
3. Apply through County Human Services to secure emergency housing placement.
4. Clearly explain your situation (e.g., medical necessity, lack of shelter space, extreme weather conditions).
Summary
In Madison, Wisconsin, hotel vouchers are primarily provided by a few key community and non-profit organizations; they are often offered as a last resort when emergency shelters are at full capacity, or to serve specific vulnerable populations. In emergency situations, contact Dane County community outreach service providers or non-profit organizations such as the Salvation Army.
