Community Advocates Connections
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Friends,
Every autumn, as the wind blows colder and frost greets us in the morning, each one of us is grateful for the warmth of good gloves and a coat, an extra blanket, and a snug and welcoming home. It’s a good reminder that these seemingly small basic necessities are a luxury for some in our community. As you’ve no doubt noticed, if not experienced, the affordable housing shortage has led to more Milwaukeeans experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness. This is especially worrisome for our elders, whose housing supports and health challenges intensify as they age.
To provide additional support for our community members who are living on the streets, staying at our Milwaukee Women’s Center Emergency Shelter, or are participating in our Supportive Housing Programs, I am humbly asking you to contribute to our Keys to Hope: Housing Stability Campaign. Your gift will help us to provide winter gear, meals, safe shelter, and home furnishings for families, adults, and elders in need.
The need is great, but when we work together we are even greater. Thank you.
In gratitude,
Andi Elliott
Chief Executive Officer
Community Advocates
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Aging without a Home Events
Highlight the Need for Additional Support for Elders Who Experience Homelessness or Housing Insecurity
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Nationally and locally, the number of adults ages 50 and up who experience homelessness and housing insecurity is increasing. To spark a conversation around aging adults’ health and housing experiences, Community Advocates convened the Aging without a Home symposium on October 29 at Direct Supply in Milwaukee on what is being done to improve these elders’ quality of life and how we as a community can provide better care for them.
The full room of participants was welcomed by Sharon Jordan, Direct Supply’s Community Relations Director who also serves as Community Advocates’ Vice President of the Board of Directors.
Panelists included Community Advocates’ Supportive Housing Programs Director Matt Raymond, Melanin Minded LLC founder Dr. Bashir Easter, Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services Director of Strategic Initiatives and Transformation Emily Kenney, and Bekki Schmitt, Director of the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services, and Milwaukee County DHHS Aging and Disabilities Services.
Health Management Associates’ Dr. Tom Lutzow provided an overview of what Medicaid can and cannot cover for aging adults experiencing housing insecurity. The wider discussion focused on potential paths forward to ensure our elders are in housing that suits their needs, provides dignity, and offers community.
On October 31, Community Advocates’ Homeless Outreach and Supportive Housing staff provided an overview of our programs to a gathering of partners and allies.
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Keys to Hope Housing Stability Campaign | |
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Community Advocates believes that every person deserves a safe, stable place to call home. To make that happen, we provide services and resources to adults and families who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of losing their homes.
During November, Homelessness Awareness Month, Community Advocates is bringing awareness to the issues of homelessness right here in Milwaukee County. Please join us in unlocking each person’s potential as we work together to end homelessness.
Community Advocates’ Homeless Outreach Program, Autumn West Safe Haven, and Supportive Housing Programs address the unique needs of people living with a mental health issue and in unstable living conditions. Our dedicated team engages with people on the streets, at shelters, and community organizations to identify a path to housing that meets their needs. Eligible individuals can move into our Autumn West Safe Haven or into their own apartment and receive wraparound services like case management, health care access, and basic necessities like meals and laundry while they are in one of our programs.
No one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head. But the reality is that hunger and homelessness are widespread problems that affect far too many people.
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Food Insecurity Panel Sparked Dialogue | |
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In October, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute organized a panel discussion on the increasing food insecurity in our community. Although the COVID-19 crisis and unemployment have eased, Milwaukee residents’ participation in FoodShare benefits and use of emergency food pantries continue to access these resources at high rates.
Attendees heard from Diana Billstrom, Interim Executive Director of Bay View Community Center; Allen Castillo, FoodShare Outreach Program Manager with Hunger Task Force; Lauren Faulds, Child Welfare Program Manager at Community Advocates Public Policy Institute; Ashley Fisher, Researcher, Wisconsin Policy Forum; and Jules Lee, FoodShare Outreach Program Director at Feeding Wisconsin.
There was a lively discussion about making food benefits easily accessible to our community members, and how stakeholders can better collaborate to end hunger. The convening was sponsored by PPI's Membership Network.
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Housing Advocates Supported
Project Homeless Connect
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Each autumn, Community Advocates supports the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha by providing resources and information at Project Homeless Connect. Our Housing Advocates Vonisha Guy (pictured left) and Yolanda Coleman (pictured right) engaged with service providers and people experiencing homelessness so that they are aware of our programs and services that can help them find safe, secure housing that meets their needs.
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Setting Boundaries with
Alcohol and Other Drugs
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Do you know which shots to take?
The RISE Drug Free MKE coalition, which is coordinated by our Public Policy Institute, launched a new campaign featuring Marquette University basketball star David Joplin to encourage young adults to make good decisions about setting boundaries around alcohol and other drugs. The 30-second video will be played at Marquette Men’s Basketball home games this season and it will be shared on our social media channels. The campaign includes materials on navigating your relationship with alcohol and other drugs on the RISE Drug Free MKE website.
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Energy Assistance Season is Here!
Make Your Appointment at KeepWarmMKE.org
to Save on Heating Costs
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Signing up for the Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Program is easy! Eligible Milwaukee County residents can schedule a phone appointment or apply online at keepwarmmke.org or you can call 414-270-4653. Community Advocates has limited availability for walk-in clients at our downtown offices at 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee. We’re here to help you! The Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Program is a State of Wisconsin Home Energy Plus Program.
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An Artist’s Gift to the Milwaukee Women’s Center | |
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The Milwaukee Women’s Center received a remarkable gift—dozens of paintings created by the late Anne Goode. Anne had a long career as an educator in the Milwaukee area, and in her spare time she fed her creative side by experimenting in multiple artistic mediums, including watercolor and oil painting, Norwegian Rosemaling, wood carving, photography, and quilting.
After Anne passed away this spring, she left behind a large collection of her original artwork. Seeking a good home for their mother’s passion projects, daughters Dana Eick and Caron Trataris donated dozens of paintings to the Milwaukee Women’s Center. They’ll be displayed in our Emergency Shelter, and some guests will also be able to take a painting with them as they move into their own homes. “We’re very grateful for this thoughtful gift of art,” said Shelter Manager Shamika May. “Anne’s beautiful paintings will provide hope and inspiration for our guests as they rebuild their lives.”
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Lend Community Advocates and the Milwaukee Women's Center a helping hand by stopping by Café Hollander’s Downer location, at 2608 N. Downer Ave., to donate your winter gear! When you donate to the Chili Weather Coat Drive, you receive a free cup of chili and an LBC Santa Rampage bier or hot cocoa or coffee, courtesy of Stone Creek Coffee. Coats and gear will be collected on Saturday, November 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Acceptable items include, but are not limited to: new or gently used coats, gloves, boots, and other winter apparel. We’re grateful for the continual support of Café Hollander and its clients. Thank you!
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Calling All Cooks:
Dinners Needed at Our Shelter
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Please grab your family and friends to cook and serve dinners to the guests of the Milwaukee Women's Center's Emergency Shelter! We are requesting volunteers to provide and serve 75 guests in December, including on Wednesday, December 25. Prepared dinners are needed December 21 through December 27. Volunteers have the option to bring food ready-to-serve or prepare dinner in the shelter's kitchen. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. Cooking and serving utensils will be provided.
For more information about all of our volunteer opportunities, please visit Community Advocates' Volunteer Portal or contact JKavanaugh@CommunityAdvocates.net.

Please note that only volunteers who have completed orientation and passed a background information disclosure form will be accepted.
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Community Advocates’ Wish List | |
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As you take your hats and gloves out of storage, consider your neighbors who do not have the winter clothes they need to stay warm. Please give the gift of hope this holiday season by purchasing an item for one of the many families in need in your community. From winter coats for clients of Homeless Outreach, to personal hygiene items for shelter residents, your generosity is uplifting a life.
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Milwaukee Record Gives Back | |
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Milwaukee Record has been a wonderful partner to the Milwaukee Women’s Center for years. Once again, they raised money for our Emergency Shelter during their annual Roast of Milwaukee in October—almost $1,000! These funds will help survivors of domestic violence and homelessness to build new lives. Thank you!
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Recovery Voucher Grant Program | |
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Community Advocates recognizes that people who live with Opioid Use Disorder and are in recovery need to live in a safe and stable home. To make that happen, we are providing Recovery Vouchers for up to six months of supportive housing for individuals and their families. To be eligible, the individual must be age 18 or older and have documentation of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) or receiving treatment to address OUD within the previous 12 months. In addition, the individual must have documentation of homelessness (Category 1, 2, 3, or 4).
To obtain a referral form, email Maudwella Kirkendoll.
The program is funded by the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration Division of Energy (DEHCR), Housing and Community Resources.
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Milwaukee tenants and landlords can get help in person without an appointment.
Walk-ins are welcome at the Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center, located in Community Advocates' downtown offices at 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee. The Triage Team will assess your situation and make referrals so you can get the help you need.
The RHRC is open to the public Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You can also find available rentals in Milwaukee and surrounding areas on our website. We update the listings every week on our website and Facebook page.
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Community Advocates’ Services and Resources | |
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You can get in touch with us in the following ways:
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Community Advocates
2024 Board of Directors
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Leadership
President: Bryan House | Foley & Lardner LLP
Vice President: Sharon Jordan | Direct Supply
Treasurer: Sandra Samse | BDO LLP
Secretary: Natasha Dotson | Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative
Board Members
Nicole Angresano | Community Volunteer
Anne DeLeo | Community Volunteer
Valerie Gabriel | Community Volunteer
Gary Ingram | Igary Events
Pamela Klein | Community Volunteer
Jim Liedtke | Community Volunteer
Kate Venne | Brady Corporation
Jodi Wire | Community Volunteer
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