Emergency housing the dominant need among IMPACT 211 callers

Since the beginning of this year, requests for emergency shelter and homelessness-related services generated 18,995 contacts (calls, texts and chats) to the 24-hour helpline. Of the 15,237 referrals that IMPACT 211 made to Milwaukee County departments, 11,414 went to the Housing Division. Those referrals were among the 32,899 connections to emergency shelter and homelessness-related resources in our community.

Other housing-related needs accounted for 12,000 additional contacts since January. A total of 38,538 referrals were provided including:

• 18,050 to affordable housing
• 10,358 to rent, mortgage and other housing financial assistance
• 5,926 to utilities payment assistance
• 2,886 to eviction prevention
• 1,318 to landlord/tenant dispute resolution

The goal of IMPACT 211 community resource specialists is to help callers preserve existing housing when possible.

Kowalik delivers keynote at WPHA conference

Dr. Jeanette Kowalik delivered the opening keynote for the Wisconsin Public Health Association’s Advancing Public Health Through Partnership and Practice Conference in Stevens Point on September 29th. The theme was Turning Momentum into Impact and provided an opportunity for Dr. Kowalik to address participants in her new capacity as IMPACT’s Director of Research and Evaluation.

She provided an update about her journey to date and how the audience has the chance to participate in the “Ultimate Group Project” which is to be actively engaged in November's mid-term election. Voting in elections is a key function of the Civic Engagement determinant for Social and Political Determinants of Health. Dr. Kowalik will volunteer her time to assist the City of Milwaukee on election day. 

Pictured from left: Dr. Chris Simenz, MPH Program Director at the Medical College of Wisconsin; Dr. Jeanette Kowalik, Director of Research and Evaluation at IMPACT; and Jamie Michael, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Public Health Association

Project Homeless Connect draws hundreds of volunteers including IMPACT team

Congratulations to United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County for another successful Project Homeless Connect at Marquette University October 22nd. A group of IMPACT staff, interns and board members volunteered as guest advocates, guiding participants to community resources and complimentary onsite services including haircuts, health and dental screenings, winter clothing, and health and hygiene items. IMPACT distributed bus passes; as well as hand and food warmers generously donated by IMPACT COO, Carolyn Parkinson.

World Champions.

Hometown Heroes.

Milwaukee Proud!

What a season! IMPACT joins Brewers fans everywhere in celebrating an unforgettable World Series victory!

Beyond the diamond, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Brewers Community Foundation have been champions for IMPACT and our community for decades. We are deeply grateful for their longstanding support of IMPACT 211 and their commitment to making Milwaukee a better place to live, work and play.

Since 1960, IMPACT has helped people take the first step toward changing their life, for good. We assess and guide those experiencing personal crisis toward resources to achieve stability; and collaborate with community partners to foster system improvement throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.