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.
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
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.
What You Should Know for the Month of May?
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Supporting Healthy Black Elders (SHBE) | 2025 Workgroup
Urban Triage is proud to launch the 2025 Supporting Healthy Black Elders (SHBE) Workgroup—a visionary, community-rooted initiative created to honor and uplift Black elders who have paved the way for our collective liberation. This 12-week workgroup is designed for Black-identifying individuals aged 55 and older, offering a space to be seen, heard, and celebrated through culturally centered programming and radical care.
SHBE provides more than just services—it offers a transformative experience rooted in Black cultural traditions, healing, and legacy. Participants will engage in weekly workshops that promote emotional and physical wellness, storytelling circles that celebrate history and resilience, and community outings that inspire joy and connection. Urban Triage will also provide tech support, assistance with SSI/SSDI and healthcare navigation, transportation as needed, a $25 stipend per session, and nutritious meals— ensuring that every elder has the tools and support to thrive.
The workgroup will take place EVERY Thursday from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, starting June 26 and continuing through September 7, 2025, at our South Madison Office located at 2312 S Park Street. In addition to weekly sessions, SHBE includes optional community outings every third Saturday—featuring activities like painting classes, ceramic workgroups, outdoor performances, and visits to farmers' markets. These shared experiences are designed to restore joy, strengthen community bonds, and honor the lived experiences of our elders.
SHBE exists because our elders deserve more than survival—they deserve dignity, investment, and connection. When we care for those who came before us, we elevate the entire community. If you or someone you love is ready to embark on a journey of healing, celebration, and collective power, we invite you to register today. Your legacy matters. Your voice matters. You matter.
Join Today: Click Me to sign up.
Emerging Adults Transitional Home Program:
A Safe Start for Young Adults 18-21
Our Emerging Adults Transitional Home provides a safe, stable place to live for young adults who are aging out of foster care or experiencing homelessness. The program helps youth build essential life skills while having a place to call home.
We provide guidance in several areas:
- Crafting meaningful goals and strategizing for a prosperous future.
- Gaining skills to manage finances and thrive independently effectively.
- Seeking employment, completing educational pursuits, and promoting overall well-being.
- Housing, systems navigation, and more
The Emerging Adults residence offers a warm and inviting environment, thoughtfully furnished for comfort. Each young adult enjoys their own space and continuous support from a compassionate team.
Referrals for this program are made through Dane County Human Services.
Your contributions to our Adopt A House Program transform mere structures into welcoming homes. With your generosity, young adults receive the fresh start they need to flourish truly.
Agriculture Program(s):
Cultivating Knowledge, Healing, and Sustainability
As the growing season unfolds, our agriculture programming kicks into high gear—a vital extension of our mission that reestablishes the bond between community members and the land, food, and the journey of healing. Through weekly produce harvests, educational initiatives, and leadership development, this endeavor fosters food sovereignty and enhances wellness, all rooted in hands-on learning and purposeful service.
Supporting Healthy Black Agriculture (SHBA):
Empowering Black Farmers and Future Agricultural Leaders
Supporting Healthy Black Agriculture is a powerful movement to empower Black communities through education and economic opportunity. This program fosters growth in agricultural fields by equipping individuals with essential knowledge and resources. Participants engage in hands-on learning experiences, cultivate leadership skills, and gain an understanding of food systems, all of which sow the seeds for collective healing and the pursuit of food sovereignty.
Learn more and sign up for workgroups here.
Our agricultural program also includes our Hemp Specialty Crop Program for Black Entrepreneurs, a comprehensive program designed to educate and support individuals interested in the hemp industry. This program covers various aspects of hemp cultivation, harvesting, processing, marketing, and business strategy, and provides a seed grant for participants who complete the class.
- Introduction to hemp cultivation
- Sustainable farming practices for hemp
- Hemp harvesting and processing techniques
- Quality control and testing procedures
- Hemp product development and marketing strategies
- Business planning and strategy for hemp enterprises
- Farley Center: Located in Verona, this facility provides an ideal learning environment for hands-on hemp cultivation and processing training.
- South Madison Office: Located at 2312 S. Park Street, this location offers classroom sessions and additional practical marketing and business strategy sessions.
- Students accepted into the program will receive a $2500 grant to support their business venture.
Join our Specialty Crop Hemp Program waitlist here.
Want to Learn More? Contact us at info@urbantriage.org for more details on how you can support this initiative!
Youth Drop-In Hours:
A Safe Space for Connection and Support
Urban Triage now offers youth drop-in at 306 E. Wilson St, 2nd Floor, every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:00 to 6:00 PM. This welcoming space is designed for youth experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or simply needing a safe, supportive environment. Our drop-in space provides immediate access to connection, stability, and resources that empower young people to feel seen, supported, and secure.
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How You Can Get Involved:
Spread the Word: Help us connect young adults to these vital services by sharing information about our Youth Drop-In Hours with your network.
Stay Informed: Follow us on social media and visit our website for updates on events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support.
Volunteer Your Skills: Give back by mentoring or teaching job readiness, resume building, budgeting, self-care, college applications, and life skills. Drop by!
Donate or Contribute: To enhance our drop-in space for youth. Gift cards, essentials, snacks, etc. O
In other exciting News...Supporting Healthy Black Families Workgroup (SHBF) is starting back up on April 18, 2025. You can still sign up. We couldn't be more excited. SHBF is a 12-week personal leadership & change workgroup that empowers and inspires breakthroughs & transformation in Black people, families & communities. Sign Up Here!
How do we do that?
Application Closes April 28, 2025
Urban Triage Accolades:
Urban Triage's founder and CEO has been honored with a Human Rights Award by Church Women United for her impactful work in housing and advocacy on January 17, 2025. "I am deeply grateful for this recognition from the community that God has called me to serve. Awards carry a different weight from those who matter most—the community. I am truly humbled by the unwavering support and acknowledgment of the incredible efforts of Urban Triage's staff. While my name may be on the award, their dedication and long nights make our mission possible. A heartfelt shout-out to the Urban Triage team!"
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 Wins 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.
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 Navigation Hours:
Tuesdays & Wednesdays: Housing Navigation During the First Week of Each Month:
- The Beacon Day Shelter (615 East Washington Ave) | From 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Tuesdays | From 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Wednesdays | From 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesdays & Thursdays: Housing Navigation During the Second, Third, Fourth Weeks of Each Month:
- The Beacon Day Shelter (615 East Washington Ave) | From 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Tuesdays | From 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Thursdays | From 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday:
- South Office (2312 South Park St), walk-in or by appointment | From 8:30 AM - 1:45 PM
- 5 Door Recovery (810 W Olin Ave), 5 Door Recovery clients ONLY | From 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Safe Haven (4006 Nakoosa Trials), every other Wednesday | From 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- (Urban Triage will be at 201 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703 EVERY 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Saturday from 9:00AM - 1:00PM)
Thursday - Friday
- South Office (2312 South Park St), by appointment only | From 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Porchlight (306 N Brooks St) | From 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Housing Resource Lists
Urban Triage's Housing Resource Lists replaced the Dane County Vacancy List. The lists are not all-inclusive; they are 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 Lists 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.
The Housing Resource Lists:
May Highlights & Impact #'s
End of Spring Highlights:
As spring comes to a close, May proved to be a month of celebration, transformation, and expanded community impact at Urban Triage
Youth & Family Engagement
We are expanding its reach with the launch of our brand-new Youth Transitional Home, now open for business! This initiative provides stable housing and support services for young people navigating homelessness and transitioning out of foster care. Additionally, our Emerging Adults Program is empowering young adults with opportunities to develop skills and leadership while getting the transitional home fully operational.
In May, our Youth Housing Navigation, we supported 18 youth navigating unstable conditions—whether aging out of foster care or seeking refuge from unsafe environments. We also hosted consistent Youth Drop-In Hours at 306 Wilson St., offering a safe space for immediate resources, support, and guidance.
Our outreach and advocacy efforts connected 58 individuals through direct outreach and supported 65 individuals and families through housing advocacy—ensuring youth and families remain linked to critical tools for growth and stability.
Honoring Leadership: Brandi Grayson
In May, our Founder and CEO, Brandi Grayson, was recognized with two prestigious awards:
- YWCA Madison's Women of Distinction Award - Recognizing her visionary leadership and community impact.
- 2025 Student Impact Award - at the I Am Black Excellence Awards Banquet - Celebrating her dedication to uplifting and empowering Black youth.
These accolades reflect Brandi's enduring dedication to justice, healing, and education rooted in Black excellence.
Community Reach & Housing Impact
We showed up in full force throughout Dane County, participating in 6 community events and pop-ups to offer vital services and support. We connected 150 unhoused neighbors to case management, placed 4 families and individuals into permanent housing, and distributed $49,103.97 in rental support to prevent housing loss and promote long-term stability.
Through Drop-In Hours, we served 140 community members, each interaction rooted in compassion, consistency, and a shared goal of transformation.
Every walk-in is more than a visit—it's a step toward safety, a leap toward hope, and a reflection of the trust our community places in us.
Future Initiatives
We're preparing to launch our Interstate Collective, a bold HUD-supported partnership with Black-led organizations across Wisconsin to address youth homelessness at the systemic level.
We're also nearing completion on renovations for our Emerging Adult House, with a press conference and staffing announcement to follow in collaboration with Dane County Human Services. These initiatives represent our ongoing commitment to community-rooted, long-term solutions.
Impact Progress
In May, Urban Triage supported 140 community members through our walk-in drop-in hours, each seeking connection, stability, and access to life-changing resources. This number speaks volume—it reflects not only the increasing need in our community but also the deep trust placed in us to show up with consistency, compassion, and without judgement.
Every walk-in is more than a visit—it's a hand reached out for support, a moment of courage, and a step toward transformation. We remain unwavering in our commitment to being a safe haven and lifeline for those navigating crisis, because our community deserves nothing less.
Celebrating Impact: The Urban Triage's Black Brilliance Gala
May also marked our Second Annual Urban Triage Black Brilliance Gala, a powerful night where we honored our Unsung Heroes and raised $163,500 to expand our mission-driven programs. We're deeply grateful to our staff, sponsors, and guests for making this evening unforgettable. Photos from the Gala are available on our Facebook Page—don't miss the brilliance!
We continued transformative programming through:
- Supporting Healthy Black Agriculture: teaching families to grow food, heal, and reconnect with ancestral traditions of sustainability and nourishment.
- Supporting Healthy Black Elders: delivering care, connection, and dignity to aging community members, fostering independence and wellness.
For more information and eligibility requirements, please visit the "Our Work" tab at the top of our website.
Urban Triage is Hiring!!
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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 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. We have great benefits, including a $5K to $10K employee wellness plan, dental insurance, life insurance, vision, and eight weeks of paid time off. Executive leadership is offered additional benefits of long-term disability and deferred compensation.
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.
WE'VE MADE EXTRAORDINARY PROGRESS – AND WE'RE JUST GETTING STARTED
At Urban Triage, we’ve taken bold actions, created groundbreaking programs, and made a direct impact on the lives of countless youth and families by providing them with safe, permanent housing. We’ve fostered a movement that empowers advocacy, leadership, and cooperation, tackling health disparities head-on. Every achievement we've celebrated has been fueled by the generosity of recurring donors and the dedication of volunteers.
Your support makes all the difference. With your ongoing commitment, we can continue to transform lives, heal communities, and pave the way for a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Please consider becoming a sustaining donor today to fuel these life-changing initiatives.