Providing Shelter and Resources to Empower Our Community
Upcoming Event
We offer safe shelter for people who are experiencing homelessness 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Beacon is a daytime drop-in shelter and resource center operated by Catholic Charities, welcoming men, women, and children in Dane County who are experiencing homelessness. Our team works to support and empower each guest by providing essential services, access to practical resources, and a sense of community. Through partnership and collaboration, The Beacon is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve, helping them move toward stability and greater well-being.
STORIES OF HOPE
What We Do
The Beacon and its partners work together to lift up those experiencing homelessness in our community.
How We Help
Every day, individuals find sanctuary, sustenance, and support within our walls—unique stories of resilience, journeys toward renewed hope, affirmations that every person deserves dignity and care.
Basic Needs & Wellness
The Beacon provides a safe shelter for unhoused individuals seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The facility offers the following free services:
- Daily lunch
- Private showers & restrooms
- Laundry (drop off – same day service)
- Mail Center, phones, copier & fax
- Day storage
- Private family areas
- and access to:
- Preventative Healthcare
- Job Search Assistance
- Housing Navigation
- Transportation between Night Shelters
- Mental health counseling
- Case management through community partners
Job Search Support
We offer job search support services at The Beacon
- Mail Center
- Access to Phones
- Identification Assistance
- Computer Lab
At The Beacon, every individual is warmly welcomed into a space of safety and belonging, where our staff and volunteers, together with our partner agencies, provide caring support to meet life’s fundamental needs. Through nourishing meals, restorative showers, and pathways to vital resources, each guest is empowered to take meaningful steps toward stability and hope for a brighter future. We are committed to creating an environment where every person’s worth is honored, voices are heard, and new possibilities are nurtured with uncompromising dignity and compassion.
Our Impact
20+
AGENCIES
under one roof working together in collaboration to change homelessness in our community.
240+
INDIVIDUALS
each day
Open Daily 8AM-5PM
News from The Beacon
Beacon 2024 Report: A lifeline amid growing homelessness
As winter tightens its grip on the Madison area, the need for compassionate, community-driven support for those experiencing homelessness remains a priority. The Beacon stands
The Beacon keeps shining through storm, bitter cold
Since its inception, The Beacon has enjoyed strong community support and a network of helpful and engaged partners. This was never more important or evident
Housing Navigation transitioning to Urban Triage in January
Beginning in January 2024, Housing Navigation Services will transition from Catholic Charities to a new agency provider, Urban Triage. Urban Triage will begin providing housing
Beacon & Eggs Sponsors
The Beacon is grateful for these sponsors and their support of Beacon & Eggs:
SAVE THE DATE
Beacon & Eggs | Oct. 16, 2025 | The Tinsmith, 828 E. Main St., Madison, WI 53703
