Williamson Street Businesses Launch Fundraising Efforts After Corey Ruiz Shooting
Businesses and workers on Williamson Street in Madison, Wisconsin, have launched fundraising efforts to mitigate the financial and emotional impacts following the death of Corey Ruiz. The shooting incident led to protests and an encampment near the intersection of Williamson and Baldwin streets, forcing local stores and restaurants to close for an extended period. Julie Bennett, Executive Director & CEO for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Madison, reported that their thrift store on Williamson Street closed for 10 days during the protests, resulting in a $100,000 loss. This financial setback directly impacts the organization's ability to fund homeless prevention efforts and its food pantry, which serves hundreds of families. In response, the Madison Worker’s Cooperative (MadWorC) has initiated a fund to support workers who lost wages due to the business closures. PJ Chamberlain, a coordinator with MadWorC, stated that the fund aims to assist workers impacted by the traumatic event and the subsequent los... 
