We are honored to present our inaugural Community Advocates Impact Report, which highlights the individuals we had the privilege to serve and the positive impact of our programs throughout 2023. 

As we reflect on our achievements, the number of clients we served in 2023 is significant. However, it’s the people and the stories behind those numbers that truly underscore the importance of our mission. Each individual we assist brings with them a unique journey of resilience and the pursuit of stability, which serves as the driving force behind our work.

At the center of all our programs at Community Advocates lies a steadfast commitment to addressing housing instability. Access to safe and secure housing is not just a fundamental human need, but also a cornerstone for building stronger, more resilient communities.

We at Community Advocates are honored and thrilled to be chosen as a MANDI Award finalist in the BMO Cornerstone Award category! 

Presented by U.S. Bank, in partnership with LISC Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (known as the MANDIs) recognize excellence in community development.  

The BMO Cornerstone Award honors an organization or program with a long-standing commitment to a neighborhood and demonstrated effectiveness over time. 

We strive to meet this challenge every day. Being of service to our community is a reward in itself, but it’s wonderful to be recognized for our work alongside many fantastic organizations throughout the City of Milwaukee. 



The 25th Annual MANDI Awards will be held on August 15 at the Baird Center. Stay tuned!

In April, we hosted a press conference featuring Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley to announce $800,000 in ARPA funding to invest in early childhood programming in the county.

Milwaukee County DHHS selected Community Advocates Public Policy Institute to conduct listening sessions and write and release a request for proposals for the funding. An independent review panel selected these eight partners' innovative projects: Jewish Family Services, The Parenting Network, Penfield Children’s Center, United Community Center, Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health, and Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce.

"I believe it’s critically important to invest in early childhood development and make sure Milwaukee County families have the support they need to realize the bright futures they all deserve," Crowley said.

Our Public Policy Institute will oversee the implementation of these programs.

The world observed the 25th anniversary of Denim Day on April 24, the day devoted to wearing jeans to show support for survivors of sexual assault, services for survivors, and creating violence-free communities. Locally, those connected to the Milwaukee Women’s Center marked the day by decorating jeans, tie-dyeing T-shirts, making poster boards, and picking up garbage around the neighborhood. If you want to talk to someone about your safety, the Milwaukee Women’s Center’s trained staff wants to hear from you. Our 24/7 crisis line is 414-671-6140. We are here for you.

The Discover Wellness Walk on May 18 was attended by folks of all ages, from toddlers to elderly folks, in Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square Park. The walk was part of a Wellness Event Series to mark Mental Health Awareness Month, May 2024, and was supported by SPF-PFS-19 funding awarded to Community Advocates Public Policy Institute. Overall, visitors were very grateful for the family-friendly nature of being able to talk about mental health out in the open. 

Partners included Escucha Tus Emociones, Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, I Am Chronically Resilient, Milwaukee County Parks, The Parenting Network, RISE Drug Free MKE, The Village, Wauwatosa Health Department, and Community Advocates PPI.

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.

Huge thanks go out to Baird volunteers for helping to spiff up the clothing bank at the Milwaukee Women’s Center emergency shelter. The teams were led by Katie, daughter of the late Mark Rosnow, a much-loved longtime Community Advocates staff member. We appreciate Katie and her pals’ thoughtfulness, just as we appreciated Mark’s good work, generosity, and humor.

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.

Can you help Community Advocates and the Milwaukee Women's Center meet the needs of our program participants? We're currently seeking these items:

• Coats and boots for all ages and genders
• Hoodies for toddlers up to adults
• Jackets of all sizes, from toddlers to adults
• Twin sheets
• Blankets
• Socks, boys and girls, men and women
• New underwear for all ages, from toddlers to adults
• New pillows
• Tennis shoes for boys, girls, men, and women
• New or gently used towels
• School supplies
• Pots and pans, utensils, dishes, blankets, and other household items

If you are able to give, please reach out to Jeri at jkavanaugh@communityadvocates.net to coordinate delivery of your donation. Thank you!

You can get in touch with us in the following ways:

• Call: 414-270-2992
• Email: Contact Us
• Facebook: facebook.com/CommunityAdvocatesMilwaukee
• Milwaukee Women’s Center’s 24/7 Crisis Line: 414-671-6140
• Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Program: 414-270-4653 or KeepWarmMKE.org
• FSET at Community Advocates: 414-290-7700
• Rent HelpLine: renthelp@communityadvocates.net
• Bottomless Closet: 414-270-2984
• Emergency services after hours or on weekends: 2-1-1