Friends –

I hope this message finds you in good spirits. You’re receiving this newsletter because you’ve shown that you are committed to being part of a thriving Milwaukee, and for that I thank you. Because of your commitment to our community, I’m inviting you to an enlightening panel discussion on September 18, "Rental Housing in Milwaukee: What’s Changed Since 2020?" The discussion will explore how strategic policies and practices, as well as cross-sector partnerships, can positively impact our community’s ability to create, maintain, and provide access to affordable, quality, and health-sustaining rental housing. Our panel discussion is sponsored by the PPI Member Network. We’re grateful for their commitment to our work and invite you to join as individual or organizational members.

You’ll learn more about the panel discussion, our International Overdose Awareness Day activities, and much more throughout this newsletter.

Warmly,

Kari Southern

Deputy Director

Community Advocates Public Policy Institute

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed on August 31 each year to raise awareness of the public health crisis of substance misuse and overdose. 

To remember and grieve the lives lost and support survivors of overdose, the RISE Drug Free MKE coalition invites the community to its Ninth Annual International Overdose Awareness Day observance events. The theme this year is Driven by Hope, a reminder that the work being done in our community is making a difference. The momentum must continue.  

Data presented on the Milwaukee County Overdose Dashboard show the stark impact the overdose crisis has had on our community. When RISE Drug Free MKE began observing International Overdose Awareness Day in 2017, 401 people died as a result of overdose in Milwaukee County. The number of fatal overdoses increased sharply with the widespread presence of fentanyl, peaking in 2022 with 674 drug overdose deaths in Milwaukee County. Fortunately, there was a significant drop in overdose deaths, falling to 652 in 2023 and to 450 in 2024, a 30% decrease in one year. 

While the decrease in deaths should leave us feeling optimistic, there is still a lot of work to be done.

The RISE Drug Free MKE community coalition, organized by PPI, is proud to host events in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day. All community members are welcome to attend these free events:

Overdose Prevention and Intervention Resources

Milwaukee City Hall | Monday, August 25-Friday, August 29 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Healing Together, Driven by Hope

Mitchell Park Pavilion | Friday, August 29 | 5-8 p.m.

International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial Event: Driven by Hope

Washington Park | Sunday, August 31 | 5-7:30 p.m.



Hoan Bridge Lighting

Third Ward | Sunday, August 31 | Dusk

Milwaukee's Overdose Prevention and Intervention Efforts: Driven by Hope

On Monday, August 25, RISE Drug Free MKE coalition members were among the honored speakers at a City Hall press conference to mark Milwaukee’s efforts to prevent and reduce overdose through collective action. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson read proclamations declaring August 31 to be observed as International Overdose Awareness Day throughout the county and city, and reaffirmed their commitment to preventing and reducing overdose. While we’re encouraged by our progress, we also honor the people who have lost their lives to overdose, those living with a substance use disorder, and their friends and families. One death is too many.

When COVID hit in 2020, all levels of government stepped in with help for tenants and landlords who were struggling to pay their bills and stay safe at home. Now that robust rental assistance is fading out, many Milwaukee tenants are searching for resources to help them in a competitive housing market.

Please join this panel discussion of policies and programs for tenants and landlords that have launched since 2020, including the Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center as well as PPI’s Healthy Housing Initiative report, Home Is Where Our Health Is: Policies to Improve the Health of Renters in Milwaukee and Beyond.



This convening is sponsored by generous contributions provided by the PPI Member Network. Organized by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, the discussion will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, at Community Advocates, 2nd Floor Community Room, 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee. Light refreshments will be served after the discussion.

On the 90th anniversary of FDR’s signing of the Social Security Act, PPI’s Senior Fellow David Riemer released a comprehensive research report on How a Work-Based Policy Package Can Reduce US Poverty. The report, conducted by the Urban Institute and supported by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Herb Kohl Philanthropies, and local philanthropist Brad Brin, shows how a comprehensive package of seven work-based policies can dramatically reduce poverty.

The Urban Institute estimated that if the package had been enacted in 2018, the US poverty rate would fall from 11.4% to 3.1%; the poverty rate for children would fall from 11% to 2.3%; the number of people employed would increase by over 6 million; and the middle class would grow by over 25%. Net government spending would increase by around $810 billion.

The latest report builds on David and PPI’s previous work-based research, including the Working Our Way Out of Poverty policy package.

We are congratulating PPI's Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator, Cecilia Tenorio, and other Escucha tus Emociones facilitators for passing their exams to become bilingual Certified Peer Support Specialists. This milestone marks the success of the first Spanish-language, state certified peer support cohort in the City of Milwaukee. We're celebrating this major step forward in creating more accessible, culturally grounded mental health support in our communities. Escucha is supported by Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services’ Better Ways to Cope grant.

We're thrilled to announce that Community Advocates has been selected as the 2025 nonprofit partner of Feed Your Soul, a vibrant and creative annual event that unites artists, designers, and changemakers to make a positive impact in our community.

Now in its 22nd year, Feed Your Soul features live painting, entertainment, an art auction, interactive illustrations, and more, all designed to celebrate creativity and generosity. This year, Community Advocates is honored to join this powerful collective as its new nonprofit partner!

This year's event will take place at the newly located House of RAD—now at 324 N. 12th Street—a dynamic, artist-driven space that perfectly aligns with the event's creative energy and community-centered mission.

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 7, and check out additional ways to get involved. Whether you attend, sponsor, or help spread the word, you'll be part of a movement that fuels connection, compassion, and creativity in Milwaukee.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, making it the perfect time for your organization to support employees and colleagues with a VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace training. 

VitalCog trains organizations to proactively address the early warning signs of suicide in the workplace.

This two-hour training gives participants the skills and tools to appreciate the critical need for suicide prevention while creating a forum for dialogue and critical thinking about workplace mental health challenges, and by promoting help-seeking and help-giving. 

VitalCog workshops are best conducted in the workplace for groups of 7 to 25, with human resources staff present to discuss available services for employees. 

To learn more and schedule a VitalCog workshop, email Rita Liesiefsky.

In addition to VitalCog, PPI offers additional workshops that are open to all community members. In September, sign up for a QPR Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Workshop or the monthly meeting of the Empowerment Coalition of Milwaukee, which will cover the Energy Assistance program.

Your generous gift will allow us to continue to provide effective and innovative programs and services to thousands of community members.

We appreciate your support!

Leadership

President: Sharon Jordan | Direct Supply

Vice President: Natasha Dotson | Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative

Treasurer: Sandra Samse | BDO USA, PC

Secretary: Kate Venne | Brady Corporation



Board Members

Nicole Angresano | The Ability Center

Anne DeLeo | Community Volunteer

Valerie Gabriel | Community Volunteer

Bryan House | Foley & Lardner, LLP

Gary Ingram | Igary Events

Pamela Klein | Community Volunteer

Jim Liedtke | Community Volunteer

Jodi Wire | Community Volunteer

Kari Southern | Community Advocates Public Policy Institute | 414-270-2950 | ksouthern@communityadvocates.net | ppi.communityadvocates.net