FP FIVE: STABILITY STARTS WITH US
- Joe Nettesheim
- Apr 3
- 5 min read
April 3, 2026
The Family Promise Five (FP Five) is a blog 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:
In school year 2022-23 what percentage of children from Pre K- Gr. 12 experiencing homelessness were chronically absent from school?
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
The support I received from Family Promise and the community has been truly life-changing. As a single mother navigating a crisis, I felt seen, heard, and cared for. - Jenny
01. STABILITY STARTS WITH US
Family Promise of Waukesha County Giving Day is on April 16
The theme for Family Promise of Waukesha County Giving Day 2026 is Stability Starts with Us. We are calling on our entire community- neighbors, businesses, civic groups and congregations- to be part of the solution to ending family homelessness by helping us raise $135,000 on April 16. These funds will ensure more families can access critical housing support, avoid homelessness, and build a foundation for a stable future. When our community shows up, stability is available for everyone.
Every family deserves a safe place to call home. At Family Promise of Waukesha County, we strive to help families secure or maintain stable housing by providing financial assistance, shelter, compassionate support, and personalized resources that lead to lasting independence. We walk alongside families during some of their most challenging moments, offering not just a place to stay, but a path forward. We can’t do it alone, lasting impact happens when our community comes together. Please join us in supporting families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Click the link to learn more about Stability Starts with Us and Jenny's Journey.
Celebrate the start of Giving Day with a party on Giving Day Eve! Join us as Maddy's Bar and Music Lounge, 200 Madison St, Waukesha, WI 53188 from 4-7pm for food, drinks, music, community and supporting a great cause. $1 from every drink and $2 from every specialty drink will support Family Promise of Waukesha County. Music will be provided by 4 on the Floor!
02. OUT OF THE COLD
Only one week after the spring blizzard a family was sleeping in their car
Sometimes solutions happen fast. This was the case for a mom, her parent and her infant child who showed up at our door first thing in the morning. Unexpected. Without an appointment. Desperate. The night before they were forced to sleep in their car, only one week after the March blizzard.
Through a series of unforeseen circumstances, their apartment building had been sold. Even though they found another apartment to rent, they faced a three week delay before they could move in. The family exhausted their options of staying with friends, and ended up on the street.
When they arrived at Family Promise of Waukesha County, our team got involved immediately. We were able to provide a limited time in a hotel keeping the family warm, safe, and together until their new apartment was ready. “You guys are very helpful,” the mother shared. “I would recommend you to anyone.” After a short hotel stay they were able to move into their new apartment. They are now part of our Stabilization program which will continue to connect them to resources and provide support.
03 CUP OF JOE: AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Why is affordable housing bad?
Joe Nettesheim provides some insights and drinks coffee in this episode of A Cup of Joe focused on affordable housing.
TRIVIA OF THE WEEK
ANSWER WILL BE PROVIDED NEXT WEEK
In school year 2022-23 what percentage of children from Pre K- Gr. 12 experiencing homelessness were chronically absent from school?
0%56%
0%48%
0%73%
0%21%
04. THE GAP REPORT
Annual report reveals a shortage of 69 affordable housing units per 100 in Waukesha County
The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) has released its annual Gap Report which assesses the availability of affordable housing for low-income families and individuals across the United States. Watch the video for an overview of the Gap Report.
AMI= Area Median Income
FMCV= Fair Market Value
Cost burdened= paying more than 30% of income on rent/housing
Extremely low income = below 30% AMI
Waukesha County Median Income= $106,000
80% AMI is the threshold for being eligible for assistance
80% AMI family of 3 in Waukesha County = $79,700
I.E. to be eligible for rent assistance a mom and 2 kids cannot have income that is more than this amount.
Read the WISCONSIN GAP REPORT :
35 affordable housing units available for every 100 low income households (Wisconsin).
31 affordable housing units available for every 100 low income households (Waukesha).
17% of households making 81-100% of AMI in Waukesha are cost burdened
76% of households making 31-50% AMI in Waukesha are cost burdened.
A minimum wage worker ($7.25) would need to work 128 hours or 3.2 full time jobs to afford a 2 bedroom apartment in Wisconsin.
What is necessary to afford a two bedroom apartment in your zip code? Simply add a zip code to the box and you will see what the hourly wage should be: https://nlihc.org/oor/zip
05.THERE IS NO PLACE FOR US
Author to speak on April 14
Education
Brian Goldstone, author of There is No Place for Us, speaking about his book in Evanston Illinois on Tuesday April 14 from 7-8:30pm. Some staff members will be driving to the event. You are invited to join us. We would depart from our Day Center at 4:30pm and expect to return about 10:30pm. Please email Joe Nettesheim if you would like to attend. Space is limited.
There is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America captures the story of five families in Atlanta who are working but can no longer afford housing in a gentrified city. Through their stories we see them wrestle with trying to secure section 8 housing vouchers, child-care issues, transportation, residence in extended stay motels and the effects of living in a shelter. The book is especially moving for those of us working with those experiencing homelessness because it echoes much of what we see everyday.
Goldstone on current housing:
He references a case manager who calls the current housing markets the 'housing hunger games'.
"These families are forced to compete for a relatively scarce number of units especially ones that are affordable for poor and working class residents."
FIVE PLUS
HAPPY EASTER
Happy Easter to all those celebrating. May the hope and joy of the Risen Christ fill your home with peace.
HAPPY PASSOVER
We extend warm wishes to all those celebrating Passover this week. May this season bring you peace, hope and renewal.
UPDATED OFFICE HOURS
Please keep these new office hours in mind when planning to connect with staff.
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Phone support only)
Saturday–Sunday: Closed
We encourage visitors to call ahead before stopping by. After-hours donations or small item drop-offs may be placed in the secure mailbox located at the top of the ramp by the side door.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
FAIRWAYS FORE HOME: FAMILY PROMISE OF WAUKESHA COUNTY GOLF OUTING
REGISTER YOUR SPONSORSHIP TODAY !
Save the Date for the Family Promise of Waukesha County Golf Outing on July 20, 2026. Sponsorships are being accepted now and registration will open Monday April 20. It will be held at the Oconomowoc Golf Club!
UPCOMING
April 8 Family Promise Team Meeting
April 8 EHH Funding Quarterly Meeting
April 13 Family Promise Mid-America Executive Directors Meeting
April 13 Shelter Diversion Quarterly Meeting
April 14 Brian Goldstone Presentation
April 15 Giving Day Eve Celebration at Maddy's with music by 4 on the Floor
April 16 Giving Day
July 20 Golf Outing
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