Hey Beautiful,
Summer has flown by, and fall begins.
And yes, you received a newsletter last week, and here I am again in your inbox.
I'm gonna make this short and sweet.
You fund Urban Triage. And we receive restricted dollars that are program-specific, which too often doesn't leave wiggle room for operations cost, benefits, and IT updates. I share this to say:
Donations from the community decreased expeditiously after announcing the 12.3 million dollar contract for rental supports.
I know it appears to be much money, and it's not. Check out the breakdown below for understanding. We're short--there are gaps that we have to fill and other programs and wages we have to sustain that the contract does not cover.
As a Black lead and Black centered organization, folks are expecting us to fail. They're betting on it. Literally hoping for it. As some are aware, that's how racism shows up in "the work." It also shows up by way of funds being removed from Urban Triage because people think we have received enough funds, which isn't the same perspective or what occurs when organizations are national or led by non-Black people.
Our community has many challenges, from housing to unhoused neighbors, education to youth programming, and violence prevention. No matter what it is, Urban Triage is right here figuring it out in partnership with the City of Madison, Dane County, UW partners, and community agencies. We're not just showing up; we're doing the work and doing it exceptionally well.
We're able to do so because of community support (donations, in-kind services, volunteers, etc.) and because staff and co-conspirators are invested in the mission. Folks know first hand that as an organization, we say what we mean, and we mean what we say. We are founded and grounded in integrity.
This leads me to my request--your presence on the frontlines is vital for continuing to offer humanity-centered services and supports. Co-Conspirator, donate today. Our community needs you to be about it. Be about Black lives. Be about supporting Urban Triage's mission. We are not just talking the talking or looking good; we are walking the walk. To ensure we can continue to do that and continue to say that we are an organization funded by the people we need you to invest financially. Become a recurring donor or make a one-time donation to one of our campaigns below.
Remember, we are because of you. Total awarded $12.3 million vs. $12.6 million that's needed to stand up an exceptional program.
You are why we've reached over 100,000 people--directly and indirectly. And you'll be why we'll continue to offer exceptional supports to the people. We can't do the heart work without you.
Thank you in advance for supporting the work of Urban Triage. Donate below.
Forward,