This past week was another full one. I was very grateful for the grey and cold days at the earlier part of the week, as it slowed me down. Each day last week there were labor organizing events–MTI won the right to bargain for their contracts and Fast-Food Workers Strikes. There were also local political votes and decisions made about the purchase of a building in decay.
The more we get together the stronger we are as unions of people making positive change. But sometimes old thinking is holding the reins.
Some Dane County Supervisors toured the purchased site on the south-side, currently owned by Porchlight, Inc. The purchase went through but with opposition and input, lots of it from many people. This building will not meet the needs of all those in downtown Madison that need day services. I want to give a big shout out to Bethel Lutheran Services as they are the current downtown day resource space. Over a hundred some people go through there a day, now, including me.
Also a big thank you to the Board Supervisors who came to visit Bethel and talk about more about what is needed with the people who use the services. This is not over. A downtown local will still be needed. I suggest, MATC, downtown. We won on Tiny Homes and we will win on a comprehensive day shelter/night shelter and more affordable housing but we need more people to speak up!
