MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) — While the Salvation Army works to expand its physical capacity, United Way of Dane County says the rising need reflects a broader, long-term problem — one that a new shelter alone won’t solve.

“I don’t think our community really rebounded after COVID,” said Angela Jones, Community Impact Director for United Way of Dane County. “Families struggling then are continuing to struggle. We are seeing folks having their hours slashed, which impacts their ability to pay their housing, food, utilities and child care…It’s been really difficult for them.”

According to HUD’s point-in-time list, 912 single adults and 62 families in Dane County currently meet the federal definition of homelessness, Jones said.

“That doesn’t even include all of the families,” Jones said, “because we have over 1,000 households that have students in MMSD schools that are doubled up — so not in their own home, living with another family, couch surfing, or living with a friend.”

Jones said many families are struggling to find full-time work, often settling for part-time jobs that come with lower wages — all while the cost of goods continues to rise.

United Way is working to help women gain access to more workforce training opportunities, Jones said, to help them reach financial stability for themselves and their families.

Still, Jones said Dane County’s numbers remain lower than those seen in some other communities — which she says makes now the time to act.

“Now is the pivotal time to make those changes and do that work,” Jones said.

United Way of Dane County President & CEO Renee Moe joined Lee Acker on Live It Up! with Lee & Friends to talk about United Way’s mission, how it supports our community and what people can do to help.

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and Urban League of Greater Madison (ULGM) are continuing their longstanding Middle Schools of Hope partnership, providing students with academic tutoring, coaching and after-school enrichment opportunities during the 2026–27 school year.

The MMSD Board of Education recently approved continued funding for the partnership, which provides services at nine of MMSD’s 12 middle schools. Thanks to support from MMSD, United Way of Dane County, City of Madison, UW Morgridge Center for Public Service, and others, the program has served MMSD students for more than two decades, connecting students with academic support and caring adult mentors.

During its annual Day of Caring Thursday, United Way of Dane County announced a fundraising goal of $19 million for its 2026 Community Campaign.

UWDC said in a press release the goal was set by analyzing community data, understanding its greatest needs, and recent conversations with hundreds of business and community leaders.

The annual Day of Caring, which attracted over 900 volunteers, is considered the kickoff of the organization’s annual fundraising efforts. Jeff Tubbs, executive vice president at Findorff, is serving as the United Way 2026 campaign chair.

MIDDLETON, Wis. (WKOW) — Volunteers and community members joined for the United Way of Dane County “Day of Caring” Thursday, which kicks off the start of the 2026 campaign season.

People put together thousands of “ImPacks,” or essential care kits for local families.

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A record number of volunteers turned out in Dane County Thursday for United Way’s annual “Day of Caring.”

United Way said 1,100 people showed up for the event.

Volunteers spent the afternoon at the Madison Marriott West packing thousands of care kits for local families in need.

The kits, called “ImPACKs,” are filled with paper products, menstrual hygiene items and healthy snacks.

United Way of Dane County is hosting its annual Day of Caring on Aug. 20 at Madison Marriott West from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

MIDDLETON (WKOW) — United Way of Dane County is hosting its annual Day of Caring on Aug. 20 at Madison Marriott West, bringing together hundreds of volunteers to assemble thousands of care kits for local families.

The event runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 1313 John Q. Hammons Drive in Middleton. This marks a change from previous years, when the event was held outdoors in all kinds of weather.

Volunteers will assemble ImPacks — bags filled with items most requested by Dane County families and nonprofit partners. This year’s event includes assembling 4,000 paper product ImPacks, 3,000 menstrual hygiene ImPacks and 2,000 healthy snack ImPacks.

Volunteers can also write notes of encouragement to seniors to provide older adults in the community a sense of connection. The event aims to produce 1,000 notes of encouragement to include with ImPacks.

The assembled care kits will be distributed to United Way nonprofit partners including Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Porchlight, The Road Home of Dane County, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and WayForward Resources.