FP FIVE: BUILDING STABILITY IN 2025
- Joe Nettesheim
- 22 hours ago
- 7 min read
January 27, 2026
The Family Promise Five (FP Five) is a weekly newsletter whose purpose is to update, inform, and advocate for families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
The mission of Family Promise of Waukesha County is to help low-income families and families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.
In this edition, you will find these stories:
AND CHECK OUT:
THANK YOU, JULIE!
We are disappointed to announce that Julie Bice, Director of Outreach and Fund Development has accepted a role with the Milwaukee Chamber Theater. Julie was a respected co-worker who helped advance our fund raising efforts. She will be missed. Her last day was Thursday, January 22. You can find information about our hriing process below. Thank you and congratulations, Julie!
TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWER
Q. The percentage of students who recently graduated high school in the United States who attend college is 62%. What is the percentage of children who experience homelessness that attend college?
A: 29%
Joe Nettesheim testified before the WI Assembly. When information is provided in this newsletter regarding policy how do you view this information?
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
A thank you message from a family included these words.
RECENT PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
Family Promise of Waukesha County was selected as a recipient of the Heart of Canal Street grant from the Forest County Potawatomi. Julie, Tasha and Joe received the check. Green Bay Packaging-Baird Display selected 15 families to assist with Christmas gifts and chose Family Promise as the recipient of their corporate gift; The Pewaukee Arts Council provided packets of art supplies for children in our programs; Our holiday party was on December 13 and hosted by Oakwood Church; staff celebrated the holidays with an outing to Fisk Avenue.
01. BUILDING STABILITY, COMMUNITY AND HOPE
2025 Year in Review and Building Hope in 2026!
Mission
Before we move fully into 2026, it’s important to pause and reflect on what 2025 meant for families experiencing homelessness in Waukesha County. This past year we focused on building stability. 2025 was marked by growth, generosity, and significant progress—made possible by a community that continues to step forward when families need it most.
We identify 10 meaningful moments from 2025 at Family Promise of Waukesha County. All of which occurred because of your support.
$24,000 Community Jackpot Supporting Families Experiencing Homelessness
The Heart of Canal Street is a community giving event hosted by Potawatomi Bingo Hall & Casino, where 100 organizations serving children are invited—and 30 are selected at random for awards. How are the winners chosen? Through a slot machine.
When our logo came up three times in a row, Family Promise of Waukesha County received $24,000 to support families experiencing homelessness. It was a joyful reminder that community generosity can take many forms—and can make an immediate difference.
02. JOE'S JOURNAL: WI ASSEMBLY TESTIMONY
Joe Nettesheim tetifies at WI Assembly Housing and Real Estate Committee
Advocacy
This week Joe Nettesheim along with representatives from the Balance of State and other agencies provided testimony before the WI Assembly Committee on Housing and Real Estate. He was asked to speak about Assembly Bills 625 and 631.
Bill 625 is a bill that focuses on "pay for performance" and proposes additional metrics for agencies to receive funding to support those experiencing homelessness. The bill allows the state to withhold funds already spent by the agency.
Bill 631 creates "structured camping facilities' for those experiencing homelessness. Those who experience homelessness but are not in a shelter or a structured camping facilities are subject to arrest and jailed for 30 days. It also mandates assessments for mental health and AODA.
If you choose to reach out to your Wisconsin Assembly representative or State Senate Officieals you can find their contact information here.
03. OFFER HOPE TO FAMILIES
Seeking a Family Advocate and a Coordinator of Fund Development
Community
Family Promise of Waukesha County is hiring. We invite you to join an organization that supports families with minor children during their most vulnerable moments — providing hope, stability, and a path forward. We are hiring for the following two positions:
Coordinator of Outreach and Fund Development
The Coordinator of Outreach and Fund Development is responsible for cultivating external relationships and resources to advance the organization's mission. This includes meeting one on one with individual supporters, developing partnerships with businesses, civic groups, congregations, and foundations to increase volunteer engagement and secure funding. Additionally, the role involves grant writing, event planning, and collaborating with the Executive Director to develop and execute annual fund development and communications plans.
Family Advocate
The Family Advocate supports families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness by addressing challenges that impact their economic, physical, and emotional well-being. Using a
trauma-informed and client-centered approach, the Family Advocate facilitates goal-setting, connects clients to essential resources, and supports them in navigating a path to housing independence and self-sufficiency. This position operates in a team-focused environment with an emphasis on prevention, diversion, sheltering, and stabilization of families with minor children.
To be considered for either role please submit a cover letter, resume and 3 references to Joe Nettesheim
POLL: POLITICS AND SERVICE
Joe Nettesheim testified before the WI Assembly. When information is provided in this newsletter regarding policy how do you view this information?
0%It is helpful to know what government is considering.
0%Interesting but I don't always agree.
0%FPWC should advocate for policies that help families
0%It is too much
You can vote for more than one answer.
04. HOUSING SECURED
Mom and 2 children moved into permanent housing last week.
Community
Last week , during the coldest stretch of the winter (so far), a mom and 2 children, ages 3 and 1, moved into their new apartment! It has been an honor to witness the progress this family has made over the past three months. Mom has faced a number of challenges and has exhibited focus and persistence.
We are grateful to Fresh Start Furnishings and their crew of volunteers who provided and moved furniture, moved furniture and set up the apartment. Their expertise is in making a new apartment a home.
Check out photos of the new apartment on Facebook!
05.COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR
Help raise awareness of homelessness in Waukesha County.
Community
A story by Fox6 News highlighted the need for a warming center in Waukesha County during the winter months.
While we would agree additional resources are needed, it is important for you to be aware that there is a plan for winter shelter.
During winter the emergency shelters are working together to ensure that no individual or family is out in the cold. With the former winter overflow being utilized year round this winter the agencies in Waukesha County are working together and utilizing hotel rooms as temporary emergency shelter. These rooms are currently being funded by St. Vincent DePaul of Waukesha County. At the end of last week, before the extreme cold snap, Family Promise, Hebron Housing Services, Hope Center, NAMI, The Women's Center and St. Vincent DePaul identified 21 additional people who did not have housing or shelter. Much of this was done by the Hebron Housing Services and NAMI street outreach teams. The response to these individuals was to divert some people by doubling them up, adding additional beds at Siena House and having the Hope Center open longer hours. It was a wonderful collaborative effort made to ensure that people had shelter. Fortunately there were not additional families without shelter who were identified.
Besides utilizing hotels, Family Promise of Waukesha County has in some instances put two families in an apartment. We are limited by the total number of individuals that can be placed in each unit.
While there has been extended services this winter, the concern is: will we have enough funds to make it through March? If the need remains at this level it is unlikely. Saving funds is one of the reasons having a warming center hosted by a church and possibly staffed by volunteers would be helpful.
This is also why we invite you to participate in the Coldest Night of the Year.
The Housing Action Coalition is hosting the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOTY) on February 28, 2026 at 4pm at Frame Park in Waukesha! CNOTY is a family-friendly walking fundraiser that raises awareness of homelessness in Waukesha County and funds to support the vital work we do in Waukesha County.
We invite to join the Family Promise of Waukesha team or form a your team with your congregation or business. Participants are showing support for all the agencies serving those experiencing homelessness. We are looking for at least 7 people to be part of the Family Promise of Waukesha County team and invite others to walk and support.
As a participant you are invited to:
Walk with us on February 28
Provide a gift to help to support homelessness resources in Waukesha County.
Invite (or more!) friends, family, or co-workers to join you
Walk side-by-side on event day to support our community
To learn more and register view the webpage below or contact Joe Nettesheim
FIVE PLUS
VOTE FAMILY PROMISE
IKEA is celebrating their 40th anniversary by providing a $40,000 grant to a worthy non-profit. Family Promise (national) has been nominated. Your vote can help Family Promise (national) secure a $40,000 grant from Ikea. Ikea helped our affiliate furnish the Day Center when we moved to Waukesha in 2020. Use the link to learn more and vote!
GOLF OUTING -JULY 20, 2026
Save the Date for the Family Promise of Waukesha County Golf Outing on July 20, 2026. It will be held at the Oconomowoc Golf Club!
POINT IN TIME COUNT JANUARY 28, , 2026
Join us for an adventure serving those experiencing homelessness. On Wednesday, January 28, Waukesha County will be conducting a Point-In-Time count. PIT, is an unduplicated count of people experiencing homelessness during a designated one-night period. This activity is mandated by Housing and Urban Development and intended to capture a minimum amount of information on the homeless population in order to create a "snapshot" of what homelessness looks like in a community. The next PIT Count will be held on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28th, 2026. The event starts at 10pm. We are seeking volunteers to work alongside Family Promise of Waukesha County staff. Use this link to sign up to be a part of the adventure.
FAMILY PROMISE NATIONAL TOWN HALL FEBRUARY 4, 2026
You are invited to the Family Promise national town hall meeting on February 4. Use this link to sign up.
UPCOMING
Jan 26 Housing Action Coalition Board of Directors
Jan 26 Shelter Diversion Meeting with Balance of State
Jan 27 Discussion with Lt. Governor Sarah Rodriguez re: Homelessness
Jan 28 Staff Meeting
Jan 28 Point In Time Count
Feb 2 Family Promise Executive Directors Mid-America Region
Feb 3 FPWC Executive Committee Meeting
Feb 4 Family Promise National Town Hall
Feb 5 Waukesha County Business Alliance Non-Profit Council
Feb 5 Waukesha Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Expo
Feb 10-12 Balance of State Conference
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