We are currently processing applications for single women’s housing.
YWCA Madison’s downtown location features affordable apartments for low-income women, providing a safe and supportive permanent home in the heart of Madison. Apartments are available to women who make less than $42,750 per year. Rent ranges from $460 to $865 per month depending on the size of the room.
YWCA’s building is conveniently located on the Capitol Square, with easy access to all city bus lines. Both the Badger and Greyhound bus depots are a short distance away, as is the University of Wisconsin and the downtown Madison College campus. Twenty-four-hour staff and a night security guard ensure the safety of residents.
The apartments range in size from single-room occupancy (SRO) to one-bedroom units. Renters in SRO units share a bathroom, similar to the arrangement in a university dorm. Each floor also features a community kitchen and lounge. The YWCA Madison building has 68 SRO and 5 efficiency units and 7 one-bedroom apartments, all of which are furnished.
A food & personal care pantry may be available on an emergency basis to residents.
Accessing Housing for Women
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Your housing application will be processed after you submit a complete application, meet with YWCA staff for an application interview, and complete an income certification. YWCA staff process applications in the order they are received. To confirm your application has been received you can call (608)257-1436 option 2. Please note that it can take 2-3 months from submitting an application to be approved for housing.
At the meeting with YWCA Staff, applicants learn more about our housing and begin the process of having their application reviewed. We screen 2 years of housing history, professional references, and criminal background. In addition, we must complete the Section 42 paperwork with applicants. This is to verify income and assets.
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Individuals cannot earn more than 60% of the County Median Family income (CMI) for single women; Cannot be enrolled as a full-time student and must be at least 18 years old.
Housing First Model
The Housing First model is a key strategy to reduce homelessness. Following this model, YWCA Madison helps homeless families secure permanent housing as quickly as possible. Families also have access to intensive stabilizing support services to prevent a recurrence of homelessness and to help them achieve financial stability and other personal goals. YWCA has several housing programs that are based on the Housing First model: Affordable Housing for single women, Family Housing Stability, Third Street, The Second Chance Apartment Project, House-ability, and Rapid Rehousing.