During the recent Village of Waunakee Board meeting, community leaders highlighted a pressing issue: the rising housing needs among residents, particularly renters facing financial hardships. Veronica Castillo, Executive Director of Waunakee Neighborhood Connection (WNC), and her team presented alarming data reflecting a significant increase in requests for housing assistance since the beginning of 2025.

WNC reported receiving numerous inquiries for emergency rental support, with 27 applications submitted in just the first half of the year. However, due to limited funding, the organization could only assist six households, providing a mere $3,000 in total support. This stark contrast between demand and available resources—over $32,000 requested versus $3,000 granted—underscores the urgent need for expanded financial assistance.

Lydia Silva Rios, WNC's Community Resource Manager, shared poignant stories of local families struggling to stay afloat. From single parents navigating divorce to seniors recovering from surgery, these narratives illustrate the human impact behind the statistics. Many residents are forced to juggle multiple jobs or face eviction due to rising rents, which have surged from an average of $1,300 to $1,700 for a two-bedroom unit.

The Waunakee Ecumenical Board, represented by President Jennifer Kusha and Treasurer Natalie Rosen, echoed these concerns. They noted that their organization, which has been providing financial support for utilities and rent for 50 years, is also witnessing a dramatic increase in requests. With a cap of $500 per assistance request, many families find themselves still unable to meet their financial obligations, often owing much more than the assistance provided.

Both organizations emphasized the need for coordinated community-wide solutions to address these challenges. They called for partnerships and increased funding to ensure that all residents can live safely and with dignity in Waunakee.

As the village grapples with these housing issues, the discussions from this meeting serve as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many in the community. The commitment from local organizations to advocate for expanded support highlights the importance of collective action in addressing the growing housing crisis. The village board's response and future initiatives will be vital in shaping the community's approach to these pressing needs.