The cost of everything seems to be going up these days, but help has arrived for Milwaukee County residents who need help with their heating bills. The Energy Assistance Heating Benefit Season begins October 1 to provide eligible renters and homeowners a break on their energy bills—plus additional benefits such as heater or water heater repair or replacement, energy-efficient lighting and thermostats, and weatherization assistance.

Community Advocates can help you schedule your appointment over the phone at 414-270-4356 (414-270-4-MKE) or online at keepwarmmke.org, plus we have limited availability for walk-in appointments beginning October 1 in our downtown offices, 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Community Advocates was grateful to receive the BMO Cornerstone Award at the 25th Annual MANDI Awards in Milwaukee. The award, to honor an organization or program with a long-standing commitment to a neighborhood and demonstrated effectiveness over time, was accepted warmly. Community Advocates CEO Andi Elliott, COO Maudwella Kirkendoll, and Board of Directors Vice President Sharon Jordan took the stage to accept the award. 

While we are all so focused on our mission, evenings like this provide a bright opportunity for collaboration and partnership. Nominees, finalists, and winners truly compete not against one another, but against the challenges in our neighborhoods.

Community Advocates is honored to be recognized for our long-standing commitment to serving our community members who experience housing insecurity, lack of resources, domestic violence, and substance misuse. None of the work we do is done for praise, recognition or awards, making moments like this both humbling and appreciated. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners in each category, and thank you to U.S. Bank, in partnership with LISC Milwaukee, who made the evening possible. 

Homelessness Awareness Week runs from October 27 to November 2, 2024, across Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha counties, a week to raise awareness and understanding of the pressing issue of homelessness in our communities.

Join us for a special community symposium from 8:30 to 11 a.m. on October 29 at Direct Supply, 7301 W. Champions Way, Milwaukee, which is focused on addressing the growing crisis of aging adults.

Nationally, adults aged 50+ are the fastest-growing age group among those experiencing homelessness.

A significant contributing factor is that older adults reliant on fixed incomes often struggle to cover basic living expenses, including housing. Co-occurring cognitive disabilities, mental health challenges, and physical issues further complicate their ability to maintain stable housing. Wisconsin’s population is older than the national average, and this trend is expected to continue as Baby Boomers age and birth rates remain low.



During the symposium, we will hear from a panel of experts as we learn about and explore innovative solutions designed to meet the unique needs of this population, ensuring stability and well-being. Registration is required and space is limited. This event is free and breakfast will be provided.

Now that the COVID-19 crisis and unemployment have eased, we should expect that participation in FoodShare benefits and use of emergency food pantries would also decline. However, Milwaukee residents continue to access these resources at high rates. What’s driving this trend, and how can we meet the needs of our community’s individuals and families who are experiencing food insecurity?



All are welcome to attend this panel discussion on food insecurity, supported by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute’s Member Network. We’ll hear from local stakeholders about the need for food benefits and how we can advocate for policies, programs, and systems that alleviate and prevent hunger. It will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on October 2 at Community Advocates, 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee. Registration is required.

We appreciate all of the contributions made to our United in Healing Summer Campaign for the Milwaukee Women’s Center, a division of Community Advocates. We had fantastic support from donors at all levels and we’re grateful for each and every gift. The proceeds will go toward programs and services provided by the Milwaukee Women’s Center and Community Advocates, including services for domestic violence survivors, people living with a substance use disorder, and men who want to change behaviors in their relationships to end the cycle of violence. We cannot thank you enough for the love and care you show to the individuals and families we serve. Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Rhythm and Soles 5K Walk/Run organized by Healing Starts Today, which honored International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. The RISE Drug Free MKE coalition, housed at Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, organized tributes, community resources, children's activities, free food and music, and support for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Organizations provided Narcan training and supplies, fentanyl test strips, drug deactivation pouches, wellness activities, and many more resources to visitors. That evening, the Hoan Bridge lit up purple in honor of the day, thanks to coalition partner Light the Hoan.

Prior to the event, leaders including Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson; Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley; Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, the chair of RISE Drug Free MKE; Milwaukee Common Council President Jose Perez; Milwaukee Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Totoraitis; Tahira Malik of Samad's House; and Rosalind McClain of Healting Starts Today spoke at a press conference to show their support for those impacted by substance misuse and overdose. Mayor Johnson declared August 31 to be Overdose Awareness Day throughout Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Women’s Center is a beneficiary of Milwaukee Record’s The Roast of Milwaukee, an evening devoted to poking fun of our city. Done in association with the Milwaukee Comedy Festival, roasters include Dana Ehrmann, AJ Grill, Luise Noé, Syed Hasnain, Elijah Holbrook, Caitlin Baratti, and more. This 21+ show will be held on September 30 at The Cooperage, and tickets are $18 in advance and $24 at the door. Over the years Milwaukee Record has been a huge supporter of the Milwaukee Women’s Center, and we’re very thankful for their continuing care for our community members.

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.

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.

We’re looking forward to celebrating the holidays this autumn and winter with our community members. Can you help us out? We’re seeking:

• Halloween candy
• Individuals or groups to provide and serve Thanksgiving for about 75 people
• Individuals or groups to provide and serve Christmas dinner for about 75 people
• Filled holiday stockings for an estimated 35 children

If you can help us out, please contact Jeri at jkavanaugh@communityadvocates.net or (414) 270-2984. Thank you!

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

New items:

• Underwear for all ages, from toddlers to adults
• Twin sheet sets
• Socks, boys and girls, men and women
• Pillows
• Towels
• School supplies

Gently used items:

• Tennis shoes for boys, girls, men, and women
• 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