IMPACT to host the 2025 Housing Summit

IMPACT is excited to host the 2025 Housing Summit for service providers on February 25th. The dynamic professional development opportunity fosters learning, collaboration, and innovation while addressing systemic challenges in housing. Together, we will explore strategies for impactful change, share best practices, and strengthen our collective efforts to create sustainable solutions for Milwaukee County.

Panel discussions will focus on safe havens, street outreach, and serving youth. Breakout sessions will concentrate on Category 4 homelessness, Coordinated Entry, Community Access to Recovery Services (CARS), harm reduction efforts, and veterans' services. The lunch presentation will feature an IMPACT Connect demonstration. We welcome guest speakers from partner organizations including Guest House, Cathedral Center, Community Advocates, Rental Housing Resource Center, Pathfinders, Walker's Point Youth & Family Center, Courage MKE, Sojourner, Milwaukee Women's Center, Outreach Community Health Centers, Street Angels, Milwaukee County and others.

The cost to attend IMPACT's Housing Summit is $25 per person which includes lunch. Please register by Monday, February 10th.

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimates human trafficking globally as a multibillion-dollar industry with an estimated 27 million victims. IMPACT supports local efforts to address the issue. The Healthcare Collaborative Against Sex Trafficking (HCAST) includes health care providers, community service agencies, and survivors working to promote sustainable improvements in health equity for individuals impacted by sex trafficking. Co-convened by Medical College of WI, Children's Hospital of WI, and Convergence Resource Center, HCAST partners are committed to an inclusive and wholistic approach that empowers survivor voices and fosters the accessibility of ethical, comprehensive, and trauma-informed health care.

HCAST Project Updates:

• Worked with the Human Trafficking Taskforce of Greater Milwaukee and the Survivor Advisory Board created through this project to expand IMPACT 211's list of resources with sex trafficking-specific services.
• Created educational materials for IMPACT 211 that increased knowledge and confidence in call center staff's ability to respond to sex trafficking concerns.
• Developed marketing materials that promote IMPACT 211 at healthcare sites.

IMPACT 211's resource database provides information about 36 organizations in Southeastern Wisconsin that provide 47 services related to human trafficking and exploitation including hotlines and support groups; advocacy and awareness; support services such as case management; legal services; health and mental health care; job training; street outreach; basic needs and more.

For example, UMOS Latina Resource Center has two locations which provide comprehensive and holistic support services to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault which include support groups, legal advocacy and assistance, case management, community outreach and education, and a 24-hour hotline.

Elsa called IMPACT 211 seeking help for her mother Abigail. Since a community resource specialist wasn’t immediately available to take her call, she chose to use our callback feature rather than remain on hold. This technology allows a caller to hold their position in the queue and receive a return call from the next available specialist.

When Ryan called her back a few minutes later, Elsa explained that her mother was very active and independent, yet no longer drove so needed reliable transportation to medical and social appointments. Elsa said that she drove her as often as possible, but her new work schedule and daughter’s growing extracurricular activities limited her ability to also transport her mom. Ryan quickly gathered information and provided options for two transportation services that would allow Abigail to get to and from her activities and appointments, while also providing peace of mind for Elsa.

Read more client stories and please consider supporting our efforts.

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.