Winter warming rooms now available

As a partner organization of the Milwaukee Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, IMPACT supports the 2024/2025 warming plan to provide a safe space for people this winter. Several designated warming centers will offer nightly shelter across Milwaukee beginning tonight through March 31, 2025.

Centers will operate from 7pm to 7am with priority placement for individuals who have been verified to be sleeping outdoors by Street Outreach professionals. General walk-in hours begin at 8pm.

Trained staff will be on-site to provide a therapeutic and safe environment. A network of volunteers will also be available to make referrals to community-based resources through IMPACT Connect. Meals will be provided by community partners including The Gathering of Wisconsin, St. Vincent DePaul and Street Angels.

Warming site locations

• Guest House of Milwaukee - 1216 N 13th St 53205 - single men
• Unity Lutheran Church - 1025 E Oklahoma Ave 53207 - single women and families
• Repairers of the Breach - 1335 W Vliet St 53205 - single men, single women
• St Ben’s* - 930 W State St 53233 - single men, single women
• Joy House*+^ - 830 N 19th St 53233 - single women and families
• Milwaukee Rescue Mission*^ - 1820 W Wells St 53233 - single men, single women and families

* Site opens 12/2/2024

+ Temps below 32 degrees: walk-in any time

^ Temps below 32 degrees: morning exit not required

For more information about these overnight shelter locations, call 211 or search the 211 Resource Directory which also includes other warming centers in the greater Milwaukee area. Visit the City of Milwaukee’s website for cold weather safety tips and helpful advice this winter.

Whenever she left her church, Rosalyn saw the same man on a nearby street. He appeared to be unhoused and looked like he needed some help. One day, Rosalyn introduced herself to see if she could learn more and be of assistance. She discovered that Alan had fallen on difficult times and did not have a permanent home. He was on the streets because he didn’t know what else to do. Rosalyn picked up the phone and called IMPACT 211 to find the services her new friend needed.

Tyrone, an IMPACT 211 community resource specialist, answered her call. Rosalyn explained that she was calling for a gentleman in her community who needed shelter and housing support. Tyrone quickly assured her that together they would help Alan find housing and other resources to improve his life. Tyrone connected Alan to IMPACT’s Coordinated Entry program, which provides resources and help for people experiencing a housing crisis and ensures the most severe needs are prioritized. In a follow-up call, IMPACT 211 learned that Rosalyn’s call had indeed changed Alan’s life. Today, he has a place to call home and has resumed care with his medical and mental health providers. What’s more, he has reestablished a relationship with his only daughter. 

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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.