OUR IMPACT IN MARCH & APRIL 2026

Our impact is both seen and unseen—changing lives in ways that extend far beyond what’s visible.

A Season of Showing Up

March and April found us exactly where we belong — out in the community, at the table, in the field, and on the airwaves. From policy conversations with leadership to planting seeds in the earth, our team showed up across Dane County in big and small ways, proving that impact doesn't just happen in one place.

Our Agriculture Team kicked off the season with Earth Day field prep, getting their hands in the soil and preparing for another growing season rooted in food justice. That same energy carried them onto WORT Radio Public Affairs, where they joined the airwaves to launch Agriculture + Less Noise — bringing honest conversations about local food systems directly to our community. Cooper and Ruthanna took that advocacy even further, sitting down with Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez alongside other powerful community organizations to discuss local food systems policy and push for meaningful change in agriculture and food access across our state.

On the ground, Jenise and Alex represented our mission at Habitat for Humanity's Turning the Key to Homeownership event, standing alongside families stepping into a new chapter. We gathered with neighbors at the Bilingual Environmental Conversation Fair, connected with the community at the Salvation Army Pop-Up, and engaged meaningfully at the Mitchell Theater. Our Seed Starting Workshop brought people together around growth — literally and figuratively — while the 4th Annual BSU West Basketball League Game reminded us that community is also built through joy.

Behind every event and every conversation, the numbers tell a story of relentless dedication. This spring, 12 homeless families and individuals were placed in permanent housing, and $53,804.55 in rental support was provided to those in need. Through case management, 560 unhoused neighbors were connected to services, while 50 youth received housing navigation support, and 74 families and individuals were supported through advocacy. Our team conducted, connected, and supported drop-in hours.

We wrapped up Women's History Month by uplifting Black Women Leaders, honored the work ahead through our April Strategic Planning Session, and joined Governor Sara Rodriguez for a policy discussion that keeps our advocacy sharp and our vision clear.

These aren't just statistics. They are front doors. They are safe beds. They are futures rewritten. This is what showing up looks like — not just once, but again and again, across every corner of Madison.

Rooted. Rising. And Nowhere Near Done.

Hey Urban Triage Community!

There is something powerful about a community that refuses to disappear.

These past months have been about regrounding — going back to our roots, recommitting to our mission, and showing up for our community with everything we have. As we continue to rise and move with intention as an organization, I ask that you stay with us.

We are not surviving. We are building, on purpose, in community, from the ground up--we refuse to give up. You are the reason this organization is still standing. And standing taller than before. Thank you, from the deepest, most honest part of this work.

A NEW RHYTHM

Starting now, we're moving to quarterly newsletters for the remainder of 2026. Not because we have less to say — but because you deserve communication that is intentional, not just frequent. Every word we send you should mean something. This one does.

To our community and to our hardworking team — thank you. This work is only possible because of you.

BE IN THE ROOM

The Golden Hour: Reclaiming Our Crown, a Black Brilliance Celebration Sunday, July 19, 2026 | 2:30 – 7:00 PM The Madison Club — Prestigious 3rd Floor Rooftop Experience 5 E. Wilson Street, Madison, WI.

The Golden Hour is also our moment to crown two pillars of Black media who have shown up for this community with courage and conviction. We will be honoring Henry Sanders, founder and publisher of Madison 365 — whose investigative journalists and community-centered platform remind us that truth, told with integrity, is its own form of triage — with the Black Brilliance Golden Hour of Truth Award.

And last but not least, we will be celebrating Bianca Martin of City Cast Madison with the Black Brilliance: Reclaiming Our Voice Award, recognizing her as a Black media icon who has amplified our stories, our power, and our presence in this city.

Now, take a moment and imagine with me, Madison's most powerful community builders, advocates, and changemakers on a rooftop as the sky turns gold — dressed in their boldest, most unapologetically beautiful summer attire. Celebrating what this community has already built. Calling in what we are still becoming. This is not a charity gala. This is a homecoming. A declaration. A crown ceremony for a community that has earned every jewel.

Become a Sponsor. Claim your seat. You deserve to be in the room.

SOVEREIGNTY IN A BOTTLE

When systems fail you, you build your own. That is exactly what Less Noise is.

Urban Triage's full-spectrum hemp wellness line is clean, organic, and locally grown right here in Wisconsin — and built on a simple belief: our people deserve to heal. Not someday. Not when the grant comes through. Now.

It launched on April 20, 2026. Yes, that date is on purpose. And every purchase does more than support your wellness.

• Funds hemp agriculture programs rooted in Madison's own soil
• Creates pathways for Black and brown farmers and entrepreneurs in Dane County
• Expands access to fresh, locally grown food for families who need it most
• Keeps dollars circulating inside the community that grew them

This is what economic sovereignty looks like in practice. Not a concept. Not a hashtag. A product you can hold in your hands, grown on land we are learning to own.

Go shop now at lessnoisewellness.org.

THE WORK CONTINUES

We are rebuilding — more intentional, more rooted in community voice, and more focused on long-term impact, and more committed to the families and neighbors who count on us every single day. Every housing placement, every seed planted, every triage conversation is a statement: we are here, and we aren't going anywhere.

And I want to connect with you personally. Coffee Talk with CEO Brandi Grayson is an open invitation — to sit, to talk, to think together about leadership, healing, advocacy, and the future we are actively building. No agenda but the real one. Come as you are. Come join me for coffee — I would love to see you there.

The work continues. The community remains. And we remain committed to both. Visit our blog and news section on our website to stay up to date on what's happening with Urban Triage. 

With gratitude and resolve,

Brandi Grayson — Founder & CEO, Urban Triage, Inc.

From the Ground Up — Meet Less Noise

OUR PROGRAMS & EVENTS ARE IN FULL ACTION

URBAN TRIAGE IN ACTION

OUR HOUSING PROGRAMS

Urban Triage supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness in achieving permanent housing and long-term stability. In partnership with Dane County and HUD, we provide compassionate, culturally responsive support for people living on the streets, in shelters, or facing housing instability.

Housing Navigation Program

We assist participants in overcoming barriers such as evictions, credit issues, or criminal history through housing search support, application help, referrals, and one-on-one guidance. Eligibility follows HUD’s definition of homelessness, including those who are literally homeless, at risk of losing housing within 14 days, or fleeing domestic violence.

Other Housing Programs Include:

• Rapid Rehousing
• Transitional Housing
• Scattered-Site Transitional Units
• Recovery Voucher
• Note: All housing programs require a referral from Coordinated Entry.

Emerging Adult Program

Designed for young women (18–21) transitioning from court-ordered out-of-home placement, this program offers supportive housing and case management to build independence. Participants must be willing to engage in services. All participants also have access to healing-centered education and community programs that support personal growth and long-term stability. We're currently accepting intakes. Click here to complete the prescreening.

WORK THAT MATTERS STARTS HERE: JOIN OUR TEAM

Ready to Do Work That Matters?

At Urban Triage, your work creates real impact. Every day, we show up for communities too often overlooked with purpose, compassion, and integrity.

We’re looking for dedicated, community-driven people who are passionate about justice, care, and meaningful change. If you’re ready to grow, lead, and make a difference alongside a mission-focused team, we invite you to explore our current openings and apply today.