Friends of the State Street Family

Friends of the State Street Family Our Mission is to provide help, hope, and friendship to our neighbors struggling with the challenges of homelessness.

Meet Luke! On Sundays, you can often find him behind the wheel of the Friendsmobile, leading an outreach team around Mad...
09/27/2026

Meet Luke! On Sundays, you can often find him behind the wheel of the Friendsmobile, leading an outreach team around Madison. đź’š

Luke also came up with the idea for our October 4 benefit concert at Gamma Ray. He’s putting his love of local music to work for Friends, and we’re grateful for the time and energy he brings to both outreach and this event. Here’s Luke’s “why.”

My biggest reason for volunteering with Friends of State Street is pretty simple: I really enjoy helping people.

I’ve always noticed people who are struggling and wanted to do something to help, but for a long time I didn’t really know how. Friends of State Street gave me an opportunity to actually get involved, meet people where they are, and hopefully make a difficult day a little easier.

When I was in college, I took a class called Politics of Homelessness. As part of the class, we had to spend three days outside of our dorms experiencing what it was like to have limited access to food and shelter. We could only eat food that had been discarded from the cafeteria, along with one food item we were allowed to bring. I brought a box of cereal—which, in hindsight, probably wasn’t the best choice. At night, we slept on the pews of the campus church.

Obviously, I knew that three days could never truly replicate someone experiencing homelessness. But the experience gave me a small glimpse into how quickly basic things can become difficult when you’re worried about food, shelter, and simply getting through the day.

I remember feeling tired and mentally foggy from constantly thinking about where my next meal was coming from and where I was going to sleep. Even simple tasks became harder. It made me realize how difficult it can be to get yourself out of a difficult situation when so much of your energy is going toward survival.

It also showed me how differently people can treat you when they perceive that you’re struggling. Sometimes you can feel invisible. A little food, a friendly conversation, or simply having someone treat you like a human being can mean much more than you might realize.

That experience changed the way I think about homelessness. People experiencing homelessness aren’t simply “lazy” or unwilling to work. There are often complex circumstances and challenges that aren’t visible when you pass someone on the street.

For me, the best place to start is with empathy and kindness. That’s a big part of why Friends of State Street means something to me. I enjoy getting to know people, hearing their stories, and helping however I can. Sometimes helping doesn’t have to be something huge. Sometimes it’s just being there, offering a meal, having a conversation, and reminding someone that they aren’t invisible.

That’s my why.

One more week! 💚We’re heading into the final week of our 15th Anniversary Fundraiser, and thanks to your generosity, we’...
09/26/2026

One more week! đź’š
We’re heading into the final week of our 15th Anniversary Fundraiser, and thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised $3,460 toward our $15,000 goal!
For 15 years, Friends has been showing up for our neighbors experiencing homelessness—and your support helps us keep showing up. Donations help offset rising outreach costs and purchase thermals, gloves, hats, and winter boots as we prepare for our Winter Warmth Campaign.
There’s still time to help us move that thermometer!
đź’š Donate through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1625628159207958/1566715155500805/
đź’š Or donate through our website: www.fssf.org
15 years of Help. Hope. Friendship. Let’s finish strong!

For much of Friends’ 15 years, Michelle has been one of the people helping behind the scenes. Her family has helped with...
09/25/2026

For much of Friends’ 15 years, Michelle has been one of the people helping behind the scenes. Her family has helped with food runs, and she has rallied residents in the building she manages to collect winter donations and prepare food for our weekend Meal Train.

So when a seat opened on our board, we knew who to call. Michelle now serves as our board secretary, bringing new energy, ideas, and incredible organization to the team. We’re grateful for all the ways she has shown up for Friends over the years. Here’s Michelle’s “why.” 💚

As Friends of State Street Family turns 15, I was thinking back to how I initially got involved. I think Kelly LeGrand and Teri Coates had posted something about needing meals for the Saturday morning food run at the top of State Street. My kids and I quickly got involved. Meals turned into serving food and conversations with our unhoused neighbors. That turned into the boys and their friends making a couple dozens brown bag meals occasionally. That grew into donating sleeping bags, tarps, coats, winter clothing drives at my apartment buildings, more and more brown bag lunches…I now have the honor of serving on the board of directors with some generous, wonderful people who are making a difference in the lives of our unhoused neighbors on a daily basis. And we continue to make lunches, and more lunches….

As part of our 15th anniversary, we’ve been asking volunteers to share their “why.” Today, we’re introducing Tiffany.Tif...
09/24/2026

As part of our 15th anniversary, we’ve been asking volunteers to share their “why.” Today, we’re introducing Tiffany.

Tiffany joined Friends within the last year. She brings a warm, approachable presence to outreach and has already stepped up with initiative and leadership. We’re glad to have her on the team, and we’re looking forward to sharing why she chose to volunteer with Friends.

Thank you, Tiffany! đź’š

For me, volunteering with our unhoused friends is about so much more than providing a meal.
One thing I find myself thinking about often is how quickly life can change. None of us know when a job loss, unexpected expense, family crisis, or something completely outside of our control could turn our lives upside down. And when everything you have is going toward simply making it through another day, finding a way forward becomes that much harder.
I volunteer because I want our friends to feel seen, respected, and a little less alone. Sometimes that means serving a hot meal, handing someone a blanket, or connecting them with a resource. Other times, it means learning someone's name, listening to their story, sharing a laugh, or simply having a normal conversation for five minutes.
I've learned so much from the people I've met through outreach, especially the importance of looking beyond our assumptions and remembering that we rarely know the circumstances that brought someone to where they are today.
If I go home knowing that I filled one person's belly, helped keep someone warm, made someone smile, or simply made their day a little better, that's enough to make me want to come back.
Everyone deserves food, warmth, dignity, connection, and to feel seen. That's my why. ❤️

Meet Sabryna! 💚 She’s been volunteering with Friends for about a year and frequently joins our Tuesday evening team, pul...
09/22/2026

Meet Sabryna! 💚 She’s been volunteering with Friends for about a year and frequently joins our Tuesday evening team, pulling wagons downtown much like Friends did 15 years ago.

What stands out about Sabryna is the time she takes to build relationships with our friends on the street. We’re grateful for the care she brings to those Tuesday evenings. Here’s Sabryna sharing why she volunteers.

When I was a kid I used to be brought to tears when I saw individuals facing homelessness in Milwaukee. I would beg my parents to give them food and money. Anything we could. I felt helpless and unable to do anything. Then, I moved to Madison for undergrad. Throughout my four years I noticed the number of individuals facing homelessness increase. Although I no longer cried every time I saw someone facing housing insecurity I still felt empathy for those in this challenging situation. I volunteered with different organizations in the community but none worked directly with Madison's homeless population. After I graduated, I worked at the Public Defender's Office and began building connections with those in the community. Many of my clients were facing or moments away from facing housing insecurity. It reminded me of my interest in volunteering with homeless population in Madison.

In my research to find an organization to volunteer with I found Friends! I loved that the organization valued creating emotional connections in addition to providing physical resources. Everyone seemed well educated, passionate, and empathetic. And after my first outreach, I knew I wanted to continue with Friends. I was impressed with every volunteer's knowledge of the resources available in Madison, their ability to be a safe person for so many individuals, and their overall compassion. Watching the volunteers at work made me want to be someone just as well educated and compassionate. I have now been volunteering for almost a year and it has been such a rewarding experience. I have gotten to know our friends on State Street and learned their stories. I look forward to seeing our friends while volunteering or just walking around State Street. Volunteering with Friends has changed how I view my community and only for the better.

For 15 years, Friends has worked to meet practical needs while treating our neighbors with dignity. Food gift cards are ...
09/21/2026

For 15 years, Friends has worked to meet practical needs while treating our neighbors with dignity. Food gift cards are one small way to do both.

A card lets a friend walk into an area establishment, choose a meal, and be treated as a paying customer. It can also give them access to a restroom, a place to charge their phone, and a chance to get out of the weather.

You can purchase a card from any downtown local establishment or choose one from our Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3HOR8FHH2K3OJ?ref_=wl_share

Thank you for helping us put more of these choices in our friends’ hands.

For 15 years, volunteers have been the heart and the power behind Friends. đź’šThis morning, our volunteers gathered for br...
09/21/2026

For 15 years, volunteers have been the heart and the power behind Friends. đź’š

This morning, our volunteers gathered for brunch, training, and time together as a team. We talked about the changing landscape of homelessness in Madison, how we can better help our friends connect with resources and shelter, and how we’re preparing for another Wisconsin winter.

Our volunteers range in age from 18 to 78. We are students, social workers, project managers, teachers, retirees, and more. We bring different experiences, skills, and perspectives to the work.

But for 15 years, one thing has remained the same: when we put on our Friends shirts and head out for outreach, we are one team.

That’s 15 years of volunteer energy, commitment, and friendship. And we’re still going strong. 💚

09/19/2026

15 Years of Friends đź’š

As we celebrate 15 years of Friends, there’s no better person to reflect on what makes this organization special than the person who started it all — Tami Fleming.

What began with Tami simply showing up, listening, and building relationships with people on State Street has grown into a community of volunteers, donors, partners, and friends. A lot has changed in 15 years, but the heart of Friends hasn’t.

It’s still about showing up. Building trust. Filling the gaps. And, most importantly, friendship.

Here’s Tami, reflecting on 15 years and what she believes makes Friends so special. 💚

Address

PO Box 2399
Madison, WI
53701

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