Madison Homeless Shelters Hit Record Numbers as Dane County Faces Federal Housing Cut

Officials brace for potential loss of 150 local households’ housing assistance

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Madison’s homeless shelters are seeing record numbers of people seeking a place to stay, as officials say they’re bracing for a federal cut that could put 150 local households at risk of losing housing assistance. The record high numbers come as Dane County could lose one its largest sources of funding for homeless services through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Why it matters

The potential cuts to permanent housing programs could create a ripple effect, with fewer housing units available and more people turning to already strained shelters. This would further stress the current system and impact the entire local community.

The details

Porchlight’s overnight men’s shelter set an all-time high last month, serving 400 people in a single night. Shelter manager Fares Fares said the facility has been averaging around 370 to 380 people a night. Most of the funding at risk is for permanent housing programs through HUD, according to Torrie Kopp Mueller, Madison and Dane County’s Continuum of Care coordinator. Mueller said the potential cuts put approximately 150 households at risk of losing their housing assistance.

  • In November, Wisconsin joined a multi-state lawsuit against HUD to block the funding changes.
  • The potential cuts could be made as early as the end of this year or in 2027.

The players

Fares Fares

Shelter manager at Porchlight’s overnight men’s shelter.

Torrie Kopp Mueller

Madison and Dane County’s Continuum of Care coordinator.

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What they’re saying

“We’ve been hitting new records almost like every week at this point. It’s definitely a lot more people coming in.”

— Fares Fares, Shelter manager (wmtv15news.com)

“This year HUD has indicated they are going to move away from permanent housing. And so they are going to force communities to cut back the funding they put towards housing.”

— Torrie Kopp Mueller, Continuum of Care coordinator (wmtv15news.com)

“It’ll impact all of us, the whole community. When we lose housing, that’s a big deal.”

— Torrie Kopp Mueller, Continuum of Care coordinator (wmtv15news.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the multi-state lawsuit against HUD to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing housing crisis in Madison and Dane County, as federal funding cuts threaten to exacerbate the strain on local homeless shelters and services. Community leaders are working to find solutions to protect vulnerable residents and ensure access to stable, affordable housing.