Urban Triage is founded and grounded in transformational education and learning that utilizes a framework to support people as they embark on a journey of self-discovery. Our methodology expands self-awareness of the basic structures in which we know, think, and act. From understanding and awareness comes fundamental shifts that directly cause a new kind of freedom and personal POWER, leaving people permanently changed.
"You have changed my life, and I mean that the guidance I received from all of the books, videos, actually practicing what was learned is invaluable. The information you've curated and turned into a class for FREE is beyond unbelievable, and the way you passionately preach and love Black people is so inspiring. How you've created a safe space for Black people to identify and overcome our traumas and connect with each other is POWERFUL. I could go on for days about this woman and her work and how it's given me a new sense of liberation, but I'm going to stop here and say thank you, I believe in you, your mission, and the message, and I'm here for all of it." SHBF participate Click here to learn more.
Your Community Nonprofit; For the People, by the People.
We're on a mission to transform culture, institutions, and communities to ensure a humane future.
Click here for more information.
Happenings at Urban Triage
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2024 GivingTuesday!
This Giving Tuesday, we are urgently reaching out to our compassionate community to raise $80,000 for young people in Dane County who are aging out of foster care and facing homelessness. These resilient youth have confronted some of life's toughest challenges. Without stable support, they risk becoming homeless, disconnected, and isolated from the safety and opportunities many of us take for granted.
With your help, we can change that. Your contribution, no matter the size, is integral to our cause. Every dollar you donate will be matched by UW Health, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000 and up to $`5,000 by Rooted and Wings. This means that when you give $1, they give $1, effectively doubling the impact of your contribution. For example, $100 becomes $200, and $500 becomes $1,000. Together, we can turn this matching grant into a powerful force for good, making a tangible difference in the lives of young people who need it most. If 40,000 people donate just $1, we would reach our goal simply by a $1. That contribution is invaluable if all you can give this season is $1. Donate!
Every contribution, regardless of size, fuels hope and healing. Your generosity will directly support the following:
- Transitional housing for young people needing a safe place to call home.
- Life skills training to help youth gain independence and build bright futures.
- Emotional and social support services that nurture self-worth and healing.
In the season of giving, your donation can bring warmth, shelter, and hope to young lives longing for a brighter future. Imagine the impact of giving a young person a chance to dream, thrive, and connect with a community that deeply cares about their journey.
Give today and make double the difference! We are deeply grateful for your support. Together, let's surpass our goal and provide these young people with the support they need to step confidently into the next chapter of their lives. This Giving Tuesday, let's ensure every dollar counts twice and every heart feels the warmth of our community's care. Donate today!
Is your business interested in a matching gift? Contact our CEO, Brandi Grayson, at bgrayson@urbantriage.org for more information.
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Supporting Healthy Black Families Workgroups updates!
Our Supporting Healthy Black Families (SHBF) Workgroup has commenced on October 5th. SHBF is a 12-week personal leadership and change workgroup designed to empower and inspire breakthroughs and transformation in Black individuals, families, and communities. Our workgroup is renowned for its life-changing impact and unique curriculum. We are thrilled to embark on another transformative experience collaborating with our community.
Demographics of our current cohort: 10 participants are over 60, 8 participants are between the ages of 25-35, and 7 participants are between 18-24. We are eagerly anticipating the results and outcomes of our work.
The graduation of the Specialty Crop (Hemp) workgroup took place on October 5th as well. A total of 10 participants graduated, with 10 pitching their business ideas to investors. Furthermore, 9 out of 10 participants will proceed to form a Black Women Hemp Cooperative and will receive a $2500 seed grant each to kickstart their initiative from Urban Triage. Congratulations to the ladies for a job well done!
All our workgroups focus on three areas of learning. Our curriculum is tailored to meet the specific needs of different groups, whether they are entrepreneurs or youth. Our workgroups include Supporting Healthy Black Agriculture, Supporting Healthy Black Families, Supporting Healthy Black Youth, Co-Conspirators, and our Specialty Crop Workgroup. Follow our Facebook page and sign up for our newsletter at the bottom to learn more and register for workgroups when the applications open.
Three areas of learning for all workgroups:
- Cognitive Learning: This refers to acquiring knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking about racism, brain structure, parenting, child development, and local issues.
- Social and Emotional Learning: This refers to trauma recovery, social connectedness, shared values and responsibilities, empathy, solidarity, respect for differences and diversity, and a sense of responsibility for one's future.
- Behavioral Learning: Refers to learning from experiences and understanding what you want based on what you don't want. It also involves intentionally and deliberately creating experiences to develop new habits and a new reality.
Urban Triage Wins the 365 Leadership Community Choice Non-Profit of the Year Award: Madison365 received more than 4,100 votes in their sixth annual 365 Leadership Community Choice Awards, and several categories finished in the closest races ever. The winners were honored at an award show and ceremony on October 28 at the Madison Concourse Hotel. The awards show followed the 365 Leadership Summit, a daylong professional development, community-building, and networking event hosted by 365 Media Foundation, the publishers of Madison365.
Urban Triage was honored and humbled by the community's recognition and appreciation of our work.
Urban Triage's Founder/CEO Won Impact Award: Community Shares of Wisconsin celebrated the work of community leaders and organizations "advancing social and environmental justice in our community" at the Community Change-Maker Awards on Thursday, Sept. 19. This hybrid event took place both in person at Union South in Varsity Hall and online. Our CEO, an inspiring leader who founded Urban Triage in 2019 to address issues such as taste violence, mass incarceration, housing shortages, and police brutality, was honored with the Sally Sunde Family Advocate Award.
Youth Transitional Housing: We're Hiring for our Residential Live-In & Respite Staff. Opening January 2025, offering comprehensive support for youth ages 18-21, including life and job readiness, trauma recovery, and one-on-one peer support. This program provides daily structured activities, volunteer opportunities, and intensive case management to empower young adults. We're hiring Residential Live-In and Respite Staff to support this impactful initiative in partnership with Dane County Human Services.
Our Impact
Provided more than $30.1 Million in rental support and other COVID-19 relief efforts
More than 17,469 individuals and small businesses were served through our coordinated services and efforts.
10,104 families supported
18,340+ meals provided to the community
Housing Navigation Services
Housing Navigation Services (HNS) is an initiative created in partnership with Dane County Human Services. Our mission is to provide compassionate, caring, and culturally conscious services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. For more information, please click here.
Housing Resource List
Urban Triage is excited to roll out our Housing Resource List, replacing the Dane County Vacancy List. The List is not all-inclusive; it is a resource for searching for housing options. Please feel free to print the PDFs below or use our online search option, which is located here.
Many apartments recorded on our Housing Resource List are within the Fair Market Rates (FMR) for Dane County, WI. HUD established these rates to identify affordable housing options.
Please note that Urban Triage and our Housing Navigation Specialists are not responsible for the conditions, terms of leases, or quality of management services of the housing units listed. You are responsible for inspecting and obtaining information about the housing and management services you are interested in. Please be aware that most units listed here are advertisements from the Internet and other online sources.
Below are the housing resources by bedroom:
Summer Highlights and October Impact
Summer Highlights:
**Agriculture Program:** We have distributed approximately 5,200 pounds of fresh organic produce weekly from our farm, free of charge. This significant contribution has profoundly impacted the community, providing nutritious food and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
**Community Reach:** We have participated in around 28 community events and pop-ups, offering resources, support, and organizational information. In the last 30 days, our housing initiatives have served over 190 individuals. We have successfully placed people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing and forged relationships with landlords, creating direct access points to housing for vulnerable community members. Among those served, we have placed 23 youths into permanent housing.
**Future Initiatives:** We are developing our interstate collective, a new project across Wisconsin in partnership with Black-led organizations focused on youth homelessness, supported by HUD funding. Our emerging adult house is nearly ready for use, with all renovations completed except for work in the basement. Once the necessary mitigations are finished, we will announce our program staff and hold a press conference with Dane County Human Services.
**Impact Progress:** Our 4th Annual Harvest Festival Event was a resounding success, attracting approximately 2,000 attendees. The event, filled with family fun and community spirit, demonstrated our ability to unite people and express our gratitude to the community.
**Urban Triage** manages over eight housing programs, all designed to provide services for individuals and families who are homeless by HUD standards (those living in their cars, shelters, or on the streets) or facing imminent homelessness. For more information and eligibility requirements, please visit the "Our Work" tab at the top of our website.
Urban Triage is Hiring!!
Would you like to work for an organization that empowers and inspires transformation in you and pushes you to new heights? Urban Triage is it!
We're looking to hire highly motivated self-starters who are comfortable centering Black voices and communities.
We have great benefits, including a $5K to $10K employee wellness plan, dental insurance, life insurance, vision, and eight weeks of paid time off. We also offer overtime for our hourly employees and in-house personal & professional development. We pride ourselves in hiring the people we serve. Don't have a degree but have the will to learn and grow? This is the place for you. We are the people's side of nonprofits.
Executive leadership is offered additional benefits of long-term disability and deferred compensation.
We are also actively searching for a Respite Support for Live-In House Resident. We are searching for someone to offer temporary housing and assistance to individuals in need of support. As a Live-In House Resident, you will support and maintain a safe, supportive environment by providing daily support, coordinating with outreach teams, and fostering community. Join us in creating a space of healing and empowerment for those on their path to stability.
If you are interested in any of these positions, have any questions, or would like a copy of the job description, please email us at info@urbantriage.org.
Sustainability Starts with You
WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH SO FAST
We have made bold requests, designed and implemented revolutionary programs, and changed the lives of many families by providing them with permanent housing. We have also inspired and empowered advocacy, leadership, and cooperation, and as a result, we are directly impacting health disparities. All of our work is made possible by recurring donations and volunteers. If you want to support the life-changing initiatives of Urban Triage, please consider becoming a recurring donor today!