Category Archives: News

Winter Warming Center Jobs Available

Winter Warming Center Support Staff Job Description

The Milwaukee Coalition on Housing and Homelessness is seeking seasonal workers to staff our community’s warming centers in the overnight hours for our neighbors that are experiencing homelessness. Staff will receive training and will be expected to greet and organize guests throughout the overnight hours. Staff will be tasked with making guests comfortable by providing snacks, toiletries and access to hygiene. Staff will collaborate with community partners and on site security to keep our neighbors safe as we navigate the winter. A mandatory training will be conducted if selected.

Click Here to fill out an interest form.

Milwaukee Continuum of Care’s Point in Time Count Sees Record Low

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Katharine Foley

katharine@kanecommgroup.com

414-635-7008

 

Milwaukee Continuum of Care’s Point in Time Count Sees Record Low

Emergency hotel placements, Clare Hall, and additional permanent housing resources offer safe housing during COVID-19, resulting in record low numbers of unsheltered individuals in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (June 3, 2021) – During the Milwaukee Continuum of Care’s (CoC) Point in Time count, an annual census of all those experiencing homelessness who are in sheltered or unsheltered settings, street outreach groups counted only 17 individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness on a single night in January.  The Milwaukee CoC, Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and its partner agencies have reduced the count of individuals experiencing homelessness by 42 percent over the last decade, but between 2020 and 2021 Milwaukee’s Point in Time count saw the sharpest decrease to date of individuals staying in unsheltered settings.

This low count of unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness can be attributed to expanded street outreach coverage, utilizing CARES Act funding for additional permanent housing, a robust increase in homeless prevention efforts to reduce evictions, emergency hotel placements, and the utilization of Clare Hall for temporary shelter. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as shelters were forced to limit their capacity to reduce the spread of the virus, these other resources were timely and effective. Additionally, the efforts of the local philanthropic community, and their quick pivot to address real-time needs, allowed for gaps to be filled quickly and efficiently. The United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Zilber Foundation were all part of the shelter civic response team.

“We’re thankful to all our community partners for stepping up during these unprecedented times to find unique solutions and keep our community members safe,” said Rafael Acevedo, Grant Compliance Manager for the City of Milwaukee. “Protecting our most vulnerable populations from a COVID outbreak was imperative, but it was also important that we found individuals a place to stay, and a route to find safe housing. ”

Milwaukee County ranks among the lowest nationwide for its unsheltered count this year. Most cities experienced increased numbers in homelessness when COVID hit. Milwaukee CoC’s evidence-based approach and the collaborative community partnerships lead to less evictions, lower unsheltered numbers, and ultimately, overall better health outcomes for Milwaukee County residents. There were 3 COVID motels, including Clare Hall, that opened during the pandemic; four on the night of the Point in Time count. The Point in Time count indicates that 222 individuals (188 households) were safely placed in motels who would have otherwise found themselves in an unsheltered situation. Between the 2020 and 2021, the Point in Time data shows a decrease in unsheltered settings from 87 to 17 individuals, as local street outreach teams succeeded in assisting those staying on the street with obtaining hotel or other permanent housing placements. The Milwaukee CoC anticipates that continued access to emergency placements will lead to lower numbers of individuals staying on the street in the next few years.

“We know that housing is health, and these promising numbers show what can be possible when all members of our community work together on an issue that many see as unsolvable,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “With a strong focus on eviction prevention, increased street outreach, as well as innovative housing options like Clare Hall, we have a blueprint for continued success in the future which will help lead us to becoming the healthiest county in Wisconsin.”

 

New resources allocated to the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of Wisconsin and the United States Treasury have allowed for a comprehensive and long term response to emerging housing and homelessness issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the new funding availability, the CoC, Milwaukee County DHHS, and its local partners, hopes it will get closer to achieving its mission to end homelessness in Milwaukee County.

“We have reached this point by addressing homelessness with a thoughtful, compassionate, and committed response. And, all the partners know that the work is far from complete,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “Lives have been positively affected by the Continuum of Care’s efforts, and that is strong motivation for continuing the work.”

Committed to a Housing First approach, the Milwaukee CoC and Milwaukee County DHHS works with local shelters, nonprofit organizations and other government entities to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with permanent, affordable housing as quickly as possible and offer community-based support customized to meet the needs of each individual.

All individuals seeking shelter, energy assistance, homeless prevention or other supportive services in Milwaukee County should contact 2-1-1 for assistance and referrals to community resources through any of the following means:

  • Dial:2-1-1, or toll-free (866) 211-3380
  • Text your zip code:898-211, Mon- Fri 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

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ABOUT THE MILWAUKEE CONTINUUM OF CARE:

The Milwaukee Continuum of Care is recognized by local government, the State of Wisconsin, and the federal government as the group responsible for planning, organizing, and evaluating the continuum of services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Emergency Solutions Grant CARES Act Funding Application Released

The City of Milwaukee’s Community Development Grants Administration and lead agency for the Milwaukee Continuum of Care is pleased to announce the availability of an application for Emergency Solutions Grant-CV funding, in support of furthering housing stability for those experiencing homelessness or housing crises as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Funding awarded to qualified applicants is expected to prevent the spread of COVID-19, prepare for future needs as determined by State and local public health officials, and respond to increased housing support needs created due to the global pandemic.

Please review both items below, and submit the application as directed in the RFP:

For further background information about the Emergency Solutions Grant CARES Act funding, please browse HUD’s online resources HERE .  For general information about the Emergency Solutions Grant and policy priorities preceding its availability for communities as a resource for responding to homelessness, please visit HUD’s ESG web page HERE.

COVID-19: Mayor Barrett announces former convent opening for at-risk, symptomatic homeless

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett on Sunday, March 29 announced a new plan to house those “with unstable housing” amid the coronavirus pandemic. The City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County teamed up with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to use Clare Hall, the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi convent, unoccupied as of January 2020, to house the homeless who are susceptible to COVID-19, or symptomatic.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom BarrettMayor Barrett spoke of two wings and 90 beds, one wing for those showing symptoms, and another for those at risk of COVID-19. The mayor said the Milwaukee Health Department would make referrals to the facility, which would provide temporary housing “for people who are vulnerable and at risk right now.”

“This takes a lot of burden off of our shelters and at the same time does so in a way that is very responsible,” said Mayor Barrett.

The mayor said it’s an effort to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, noting congestion in Milwaukee-area homeless shelters, and questions about what to do to make sure this vulnerable population is safe, and not infecting others.  Mayor Barrett said the city was working with 14 shelters, and businesses were donating supplies. This, with 606 positive cases of COVID-19 in Milwaukee County, and nine deaths as of Sunday.

https://fox6now.com/2020/03/29/covid-19-mayor-barrett-announces-former-convent-opening-for-at-risk-symptomatic-homeless/

Applications for State EHH Funding Notice (2020/2021)

CITY OF MILWAUKEE

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS ADMINISTRATION

2020-2021 State of Wisconsin

Emergency Solutions Grant, Housing Assistance Program,

& Homelessness Prevention Program

The City of Milwaukee – Community Development Grants Administration (CDGA) is accepting applications for the provision of the Emergency Solutions Grant, Housing Assistance Program & Homelessness Prevention Program (EHH) application for homeless services. The Emergency Shelter Grant was created in 1991 under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.  The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 (HEARTH Act) amended the McKinney Vento Act, revising the Emergency Shelter Grant Program in significant ways and renaming it the Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG). This grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. ESG can be used for rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, street outreach and Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS).

Eligible applicants must be located in the City of Milwaukee and be incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency at the time of application.

For more information on the application process, please contact CDGA at 414-286-3647.

Completed applications are due to the Community Development Grants Administration no later than March 27, 2020 by 3:00 P.M.

Incomplete applications received after this date and time will not be reviewed and will be returned to the applicant.

For more information contact:

Community Development Grants Administration

City Hall – 200 E. Wells Street; Room 606

Milwaukee, WI.  53202

Telephone (414) 286-3647

TDD: (414) 286-8047

8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Monday through Friday

As Temperatures Drop, the Milwaukee Continuum of Care Will Provide Warming Rooms for Milwaukee’s Homeless

For Immediate Release: November 8, 2019                                                            

Contact: Rafael Acevedo, (414) 286-5548

MILWAUKEE – In response to low temperatures forecasted for next week, the following partners of the Milwaukee Continuum of Care will be providing overnight shelters for anyone unsheltered from the cold. Warming room locations will open on nights when temperatures are forecasted to be 20 degrees or below.

·         Repairers of the Breach located at 1335 W. Vliet St. can provide shelter on a walk-in basis from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and overnight until 7 a.m. for up to 60 single adults.

·         Capuchin Community Services at St. Benedict the Moor located at 924 W. State St. can provide shelter for walk-ins and through 2-1-1 referrals from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for up to 60 single adults.

Milwaukee Rescue Mission’s emergency shelter located at 1820 W. Wells St. will be expanding capacity to add an additional 50 overnight shelter beds for single adult men beginning next week. 

The Continuum of Care’s emergency shelters, Guest House of Milwaukee and Salvation Army of Milwaukee, have also recently expanded overnight shelter capacity to keep more people safe out of the cold weather. Additional Milwaukee warming room location information will be announced at a later date.

The following locations are available for those seeking safety from the cold during the daytime in Milwaukee County:

  • Repairers of the Breach located at 1335 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, Monday – Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The following Salvation Army Corps locations:
    • 1645 N. 25th St., Milwaukee, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    • 4129 W. Villard Ave., Milwaukee, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    • 2900 W. Cold Spring Rd., Greenfield, Monday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • The Milwaukee Rescue Mission located at 1820 W. Wells St., Milwaukee is open for day shelter any days the temperature is forecasted to be 32 degrees or below.
  • Any public buildings, such as Milwaukee Public Library branches or Milwaukee County Senior Centers.

All those seeking shelter, energy assistance or other supportive services in Milwaukee County should contact 2-1-1 for assistance and referrals to community resources through any of the following means:

·         Dial: 2-1-1, or (414) 773-0211. To avoid being charged a long-distance fee, call 2-1-1 toll-free at (866) 211-3380

·         Text your zip code: TXT-211{898-211} Mon- Fri 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

·         Chat online: www.impactinc.org/impact-211

·         Visit: Coordinated Entry for Homeless Services (Resource Center) located at 1918 N. 6th St. Enter through the alley. Walk in hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and Tuesdays from 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

·         Email: ceteam@impactinc.org if special accommodations are needed to complete a services assessment.

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ABOUT THE CONTINUUM OF CARE:

The Milwaukee Continuum of Care is a 100+ member strong consortium open to any organization or individual interested in services and advocacy for people experiencing homelessness. The Continuum meets monthly to work on issues and opportunities including grant opportunities and strategic planning. For more information, visit: www.milwaukeecoc.org

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Association and Thurgood Marshall Apartments in Milwaukee Win 2018 HUD Secretary’s Award for Healthy Homes

From a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development press release that can be viewed by clicking HERE:

“WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) are pleased to announce the winners of the 2018 HUD Secretary’s Award for Healthy Homes, an award recognizing excellence in making indoor environments healthier through healthy homes.

For the fourth consecutive year, HUD and NEHA identified outstanding local programs and research that promote healthier housing through education, partnering, and innovative practices.  HUD has a strong partnership with NEHA based on a common vision of creating healthier home environments by working across the health, environment, and housing sectors.  The award was initiated in 2015 to showcase results achieved under a wide range of housing and indoor environmental health programs.

Nominations and applications were received from academic institutions, state government agencies, housing authorities, and community-based organizations. NEHA’s Technical Advisors, a distinguished six-judge panel representing a cross-section of experts for the healthy homes community evaluated entries.

Criteria for winning the awards include demonstration of the health impact on population, policy/program innovations, impact on the physical environment, economic sustainability, partnership/collaboration, and measurability…

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority/Thurgood Marshall Apartments, Milwaukee, WI (Public Housing)

Thurgood Marshall Apartments in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, takes an innovative approach to the seemingly hopeless dilemma of chronic homelessness. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority administers the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, one of the funding sources. The new construction project provides 24 one-bedroom units of permanent supporting housing for very low-income adults who are chronically homeless and who suffer from chronic alcoholism. Since 2008, with the creation of more than 600 units for individuals who have either been homeless or at risk of homelessness, Milwaukee County has made substantial progress in the development of supportive housing.”

2015

The Milwaukee Continuum of Care hosted it’s sixth annual Project Homeless Connect event. The event was held on October 22, 2015, from 10 AM to 5 PM at Marquette’s Alumni Memorial Union and served over 500 guests and had over 400 volunteers. The services provided were haircuts, dental screenings, winter coats, agency resources, professional portraits and more.

We are grateful to our sponsors, supporters and volunteers who gave their time and effort to make this event possible. Your contribution helped to better serve our community needs and we cannot thank you enough! A big thank you to the following:

AT&T
The Salvation Army
Milwaukee County-Housing Division
The Marcus Corporation
Starbucks Coffee Company
The City of Milwaukee
Community Development Grants Administration
MHS Health Wisconsin
Rockwell Automation
The ROS Foundation
MillerCoors
Milwaukee Continuum of Care
Marquette University
Journal Communications
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Front Room Photography
Milwaukee Portrait Project
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha Co.

Again, thank you to those who contributed to this year’s Project Homeless Connect

If you missed out, don’t worry you can watch a video here or  participate in next year’s Project Homeless Connect 2016 by emailing Rafael Acevedo, racevedo@milwaukee.gov, if interested! thank you!