At Safe Communities, meaningful change happens when systems come together—not just to share information, but to build relationships and move forward with a shared purpose. This quarter, we’re proud to highlight the continued growth of the Dane County Recovery Housing Coalition, a collaborative network strengthening the continuum of care across Madison and Dane County. Recovery housing plays a vital role for individuals navigating early recovery, reentry, and long-term stability. These environments offer more than shelter—they provide structure, accountability, peer connection, and a foundation for rebuilding one’s life. Yet for providers, this work can be complex and, at times, isolating. They face evolving community needs, funding pressures, regulatory demands, and the realities of supporting individuals with diverse and often high-level needs. To address both the importance and challenges of this work, Safe Communities convenes the Recovery Housing Coalition as a space for connection, shared learning, and mutual support. Providers from across Dane County meet quarterly to exchange insights, discuss emerging challenges, and identify opportunities for collaboration. A defining strength of the coalition is its emphasis on real-world experience. Conversations are grounded in honesty and a shared commitment to improving outcomes. Providers reflect on what’s working—such as innovative approaches to resident engagement and strategies for maintaining supportive environments—while also addressing ongoing challenges like staffing shortages, funding limitations, regulatory barriers, and increasingly complex resident needs. These discussions lead to action. Providers are not only identifying common challenges but developing practical, collective solutions—sharing resources, aligning expectations, and improving coordination across programs. This collaboration helps ensure individuals in recovery housing receive consistent, high-quality support. The coalition also plays a key role in building shared understanding across programs. Recovery housing in Dane County varies in structure, philosophy, and level of support. While this diversity is a strength, it can create confusion for individuals and referral partners. By clarifying program models and discussing best practices, the coalition promotes transparency and strengthens trust across the broader network, including healthcare providers, treatment systems, and criminal justice partners. At its core, the coalition reflects Safe Communities’ values: collaboration, respect, and the power of lived experience. Many providers incorporate peer support into their programs, recognizing that shared experience is essential to recovery. The coalition mirrors this approach by fostering an environment where every voice matters and learning is mutual. The coalition also serves as a bridge across systems. Recovery housing sits at the intersection of healthcare, behavioral health, housing, and criminal justice. By bringing providers together, the coalition helps break down silos, improve communication, and support smoother transitions—especially for individuals leaving high-risk settings like incarceration or inpatient treatment. With quarterly meetings, the coalition builds momentum over time. What began as a convening space has grown into a true community of practice—one where providers actively support one another. This sense of connection is especially important in a field where burnout is common, offering space for reflection, validation, and shared problem-solving. Looking ahead, Safe Communities is committed to strengthening and expanding the coalition. Priorities include increasing participation, deepening partnerships, and aligning with broader community initiatives related to housing, recovery, and reentry. As community needs evolve, the coalition will remain a key space for collaboration and innovation. Ultimately, the strength of Dane County’s recovery housing system lies in providers’ willingness to come together—to listen, learn, and lead. The Recovery Housing Coalition reflects that commitment, helping ensure individuals have the support they need not only to survive, but to thrive. Participating Organizations:

• Safe Communities
• Serenity Homes
• Pres House
• Oxford Homes
• Sober Living in Madison (SLIM)
• Tellurian
• The Better Path Foundation
• Devine Succor Recovery Housing
• A Fair Oaks Home

To learn more or get involved, contact Tanya Kraege at tkraege@safecommunities.org.