The Human Side of Homelessnes

The Human Side of Homelessness: A Summit of Stories, Education, and Advocacy is more than just a community gathering—it’s an urgent call to listen, learn, and act. This summit provides an opportunity for residents of Dane County to engage directly with the realities of rising homelessness.

Homelessness is not just a statistic—it is a deeply human experience that touches individuals, families, and communities in profound ways. In Dane County, like in many parts of the nation, homelessness continues to increase due to factors such as lack of affordable housing and funding, rising costs of living, and gaps in supportive services. This event sheds light on those challenges while also uplifting the voices of people with lived experience who can speak firsthand to both the barriers and the pathways to hope.

What to Expect

• Educational Sessions: Learn about the causes and consequences of homelessness in Dane County, the latest data and trends, and best practices being tested locally and nationally.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with service providers, advocates, elected officials, and community members who are passionate about creating change.
• Community Discussions: Participate in facilitated conversations that bridge gaps between sectors—housing, health care, education, faith communities, and local government—focusing on shared responsibility and collaborative solutions.
• Storytelling and Advocacy: Hear powerful testimonies from individuals with lived experience of homelessness. Their stories highlight resilience, dignity, and the importance of systems that respond with compassion and equity.

Who Should Attend
The summit is open to all: community members, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, educators, faith leaders, students, and anyone who cares about creating a stronger, more equitable Dane County. Whether you are directly impacted by homelessness, working within the housing and service systems, or simply curious to learn more, your voice matters and your presence makes a difference.

In order to make the summit accessible, the registration fee is $10 and includes lunch. If you would like to cover the entire cost of your lunch, please consider donating an additional $10.