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CNET: Walworth County launches community navigation network to coordinate housing, transport and basic‑needs referrals
Summary
CNET (Community Collaboration Navigation Network) brings nine local agencies together to provide warm handoffs and problem‑solving for families with complex needs; staff reported 26 referrals and multiple successful housing placements since the launch.
Walworth County presenters on March 19 described a year‑old effort, the Community Collaboration Navigation Network (CNET), that convenes local agencies to make “warm handoffs” and solve complex needs—especially housing—by connecting families to existing resources and coordinating actions across organizations.
Trista (HHS presenter) said CNET grew from a 2022 multi‑agency discussion about gaps that leave people “falling off” services. Partners created a short referral process and weekly meetings where the referred individual or family and supports can join. Kayla Lauderdale (Treehouse Child and Family Center) gave examples: a person with limited English and medical needs who obtained a Section 8 application assistance and a family living in a camper who avoided code‑enforcement citations after CNET coordinated with the municipality and connected the family to housing and support services.
Presenters said CNET is not a funding pool but a coordinated referral and problem‑solving table. Staff described frameworks guiding the work (HOPE—Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences—and the Vital Conditions framework) and listed needs addressed so far: housing, transportation, mental health, substance use and domestic violence. Since the official launch, staff reported 26 referrals, 13 meetings, involvement of 45 children and referrals spanning the county. The network now includes nine tier‑1 agencies (decision‑makers expected to attend regularly), including Walworth County Housing Authority and Southeastern Works.
Partners noted early outcomes and client gratitude. Submitted impact quotes included a family moving into an apartment Jan. 1 and comments thanking the team for rapid, compassionate assistance. Staff said they are exploring sustainability planning with United Way to make CNET a permanent community resource.
Ending — Presenters asked the board to note CNET’s early successes and said the network will continue weekly problem‑solving meetings and coordinate with United Way on long‑term sustainability.
