.png/:/rs=w:1353,h:271)
Our Current Initiatives
Emergency Warming Shelter
We believe no one should be at risk of dying for lack of shelter during harsh Wisconsin winters. We began offering emergency shelter services on November 28, 2025. We open when extreme cold or severe winter weather is expected. By January 1st, 2026, we had already been open 13 nights and served 50 unique individuals. In January 2026, we were open 16 nights and served 46 guests. This work is entirely funded by generous donations from our community members. For more details, contact us at welcomingwatertown@gmail.com.
Community Education
At Building a Welcoming Watertown, we believe a well-informed public is important for promoting the common good. We hold community education events on topics important to our mission. Watch for announcements about upcoming educational opportunities.
At our 2024 housing summit, we brought together landlords, tenants, and numerous community partners. In addition to providing education, we connected vulnerable neighbors to available resources for housing assistance.
In 2025, we hosted MILK: How your milk gets to your table, with author Ruth Conniff. This session provided important insights into the vital contributions of Mexican workers to Wisconsin's dairy industry.
Advocacy
In April 2025, we participated in Madison Action Day with other members of WISDOM, a statewide coalition of faith-based community organizations. During this event, we met with Watertown's elected officials and their office staff to advocate for important issues like public education funding.
Support Our Mission with Your Donation
Your generous contributions help provide shelter for the vulnerable, educate the community, and empower change. Join us in making a difference by supporting our initiatives to build a welcoming Watertown for all.