Madison’s two largest “Housing First” initiatives for the city’s homeless population could be closed and sold early next year, with insufficient funds to continue operating, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. The city is currently assessing options to ensure that dozens of individuals are not put out on the street.
A Dane County Circuit Court-appointed receiver assumed control of the east side’s 60-unit Rethke Terrace project for homeless singles and veterans and the far west side’s 45-unit Tree Lane Apartments for homeless families in June. The individual is asking the courts for permission to immediately assist tenants who wish to relocate, list the properties for sale, and secure and shutter the buildings; the courts have yet to respond.
The buildings are expected to operate in their current forms until March. The principal owner has offered $1.25 million to temporarily continue operations and assist tenants with moving. With its tight housing market, however, the city foresees difficulty relocating tenants.
The city and partners would like to find a new owner/operator for the buildings and have suggested the idea of a different tenant mix of individuals who have experienced homelessness and others with low incomes who do not need support services. A new buyer might have other plans, however.
