The FAST FUND partnered with MATC and 29 community organizations to respond to the threat to MATC students posed by the safety-net shattering government shutdown. Using the Forest County Potawatomi grant, FAST provided over 500 students and community members access to fresh produce. Attendees also had access to free diapers, job opportunities, health care services, and family resources. Other partners include the Sherman Park grocery, MAT’s Student Resource Center, and the Milwaukee Diaper Mission. It was a Saturday, no blueprint-just heart. The goal was simple: get everyone in the room and make sure people know where to turn.

Liz Franczyk, Fast Fund
Executive Director

Fast Fund

Fast Fund is an organization that provides immediate support to Milwaukee Area Technical College students who are experiencing an unexpected, unlikely to reoccur event that has caused a financial strain and who have no other resources available. 20% of MATC students experience homelessness each year, and nearly 50% face food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges. Recently, the Fast Fund has provided essential support such as housing, gas cards, textbooks, food, eyeglasses, utility payments, diapers, childcare, and repair bills to students in need.