Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway is proposing a $1 million contribution to an endowment intended to help the city’s new men’s shelter operate around the clock, adding to $1.7 million in operating support the city provides with Dane County. The shelter on Bartillion Drive opened Sept. 1 and currently serves guests overnight. If approved, the contribution to the Shelter Friends of Dane County endowment would complete the city’s $2 million pledge toward 24/7 operations, while seeking to attract additional community donations. The proposal is part of the mayor’s 2027 operating budget, introduced Tuesday. The Finance Committee is expected to consider it later this month, followed by a final Common Council vote in November. Rhodes-Conway said she hopes round-the-clock service could begin within a few months, but no firm start date has been set. Porchlight Executive Director Karla Thennes said daytime hours would give staff and partner organizations more opportunity to connect guests with jobs, other services and housing. Overnight shifts are largely focused on meals, showers, case management and sleep, she said. “During the day is when they’re getting connected to the resources, when they’re getting connected to jobs and moving into housing,” Thennes said. Porchlight has secured about a year of funding to launch daytime hours, Thennes said. She described the shelter as an initial step toward permanent housing, not a long-term solution in itself. Shelter Friends of Dane County Executive Director Kristin Rucinski called the proposed endowment contribution a critical part of the city’s commitment and said the group hopes it will encourage further community investment. The new facility uses a bed-reservation system rather than operating as a drop-in shelter, Thennes said. Porchlight has added two staff members to manage the waiting list and notify partner organizations when a bed becomes available. Thennes said shelter demand has continued to rise since the COVID-19 pandemic, while the cost of housing makes it difficult for many people to remain in the community. She said about 20% of Porchlight’s shelter guests are employed, and the organization’s 350 units of affordable housing have long waiting lists. Rhodes-Conway called the proposal a major improvement in Madison’s homelessness services, while acknowledging that it would not solve the broader housing crisis.