DANE COUNTY (WKOW) -- Dane County has invested more than $1.8 million in services supporting people experiencing homelessness since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wisconsin.

According to Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, efforts include reserving hotel rooms to help create proper social distancing, supportive services, and food services.

Limiting the spread of the coronavirus is our top priority, and these efforts have helped us flatten the curve in our community. A huge thank you goes out to our staff and community partners who have worked to carry out these efforts. Parisi said.

Dane County has partnered with the City of Madison and local service agencies on these efforts.

Back in March, Parisi said Dane County had partnered with several hotels in the Madison area to secure 72 hotel rooms.

Currently, over 300 people have been relocated to more than 180 hotel rooms. Roughly $395,000 has been spent on the hotel rooms.

The hotel rooms are being used for families and those considered at high-risk to contract the COVID-19.

To date, Dane County has also allocated $545,000 in supportive services and $262,000 in meals.

Most recently, Dane County finalized a $252,000 agreement to provide lodging for individuals experiencing homelessness who are symptomatic and in need of space to isolate while they recover. $250,000 will help fund on-site nurse support.

Dane County has also invested $16,860 since March 23 for handwashing stations and portable toilets throughout Madison.

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Dane Co. has invested more than $1.8 million in homeless services since start of COVID-19 - WKOW