In 1976, Ramon Wagner, a former Catholic priest, launched Community Advocates to help Milwaukeeans with their basic needs so that they could live in dignity. Fifty years later, Ramon’s vision lives on through our 40-plus programs that aim to meet individuals’ and families’ basic needs but also to address the root causes of the issues that lead people to us for help. Along the way, we’ve been honored to meet and work with thousands of people from all walks of life, all of whom have unique journeys, insights, hopes, and dreams. Throughout 2026, our Golden Anniversary year, we’ll be highlighting and honoring the people who make up our community. Expect to be inspired, amazed, and energized!

Community Advocates is pleased to announce that Jessica Currie, Ph.D., Executive Director of Missionary Currie for Women and Children (MCWC), and real estate broker Angela Walters have joined our Board of Directors. Both leaders bring significant professional expertise and a deep commitment to Community Advocates’ mission of supporting individuals and families with advocacy and services so they may live with dignity.

"Community Advocates is honored to welcome Dr. Jessica Currie and Angela Walters to our Board of Directors," said Andi Elliott, CEO of Community Advocates. "Their leadership, lived experience, and community knowledge will strengthen our work as we continue to build a safe, healthy, and resilient community."

We are deeply thankful to the community members, volunteers, and partner organizations who supported the Milwaukee Women's Center, Autumn West Safe Haven, and other Community Advocates programs with in-kind donations this holiday season.

From volunteers making cookies to organizations coming in to cook meals, to those who donated toys and gifts for children at the shelter, warm-weather clothing, and generous gifts of time and money, each contribution made a meaningful impact. 

Thank you to Northwestern Mutual, MGIC, and Bostik for donating gifts for our Project Bridge/My Home clients through the United Way Giving Tree program, and to Ehlers Co. and WIPFLI for donating gifts to the Milwaukee Women's Center. We also want to extend our appreciation to everyone who helped decorate Autumn West Safe Haven and participated in the door decorating contest, creating a welcoming and caring space for residents.

Community Advocates and the Milwaukee Women’s Center are thrilled to welcome Griselda Torres as our new Emergency Shelter Manager. Her long career in community service has shaped her into a compassionate leader, exactly the kind of person who helps our guests feel safe, grounded, and hopeful. Her commitment to survivors, her willingness to step in wherever she’s needed, and her vision for growth are invaluable assets to the Milwaukee Women’s Center. Please join us in welcoming Griselda to her new role as Shelter Manager.  

We're excited to share that Crystal Reyes, Program Services Lead Utility Advocate in our Energy Assistance Program, received a 2026 Home Energy Plus Achievement Award from the Wisconsin Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) in January. The award recognizes notable contributions to the Home Energy Plus programs and a commitment to assisting families with limited incomes. Crystal and her fellow recipients have shown leadership and the ability to find innovative solutions to improve programs.

Crystal was nominated by Community Advocates’ DeAndra Yancey and Debbie Buhler, Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program Specialist at DEHCR. Crystal provides exceptional service and is a great colleague who deserves this award. Congratulations, Crystal!

The 2025-2026 Energy Assistance Benefit Season runs through May 15. 

During the benefit season, eligible Milwaukee County residents can apply for a one-time payment to help cover a portion of their energy bills. The amount of the benefit varies depending on a number of factors, including household income and size, as well as their heating bills. Residents may also qualify for other benefits as well to reduce their utility costs. Check out this season’s eligibility requirements on our website.

If you are eligible, you may apply via phone, mail, or online. Please schedule your appointment by calling 414-270-4653 or by going to keepwarmmke.org. At the time of your scheduled appointment, you will receive a call to start your application. If you prefer to apply online, you can access the link to apply online at keepwarmmke.org. 

Community Advocates In-Person Energy Assistance Hours: Community Advocates has limited availability for walk-in clients at our downtown offices at 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee. Stop by between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to apply in person. Our offices at 4906 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Milwaukee, are open to receive applications and provide assistance.

The Empowerment Coalition of Milwaukee (ECOM) is a monthly gathering that aims to bring together social service professionals and advocates. It is a networking, educational, and professional development opportunity, featuring multiple presentations from experts in the field.

The next session will be held on February 18 to discuss autism and disability services, with information about respite care, special needs services, the evaluation of autism, and disability programs available in our community.

As of January 7, Community Advocates has paused accepting new applications for direct rental assistance due to limited funding.

Exceptions apply for tenants facing:

• A placard
• Fire or domestic violence situations
• Residency in a Zilber Family Foundation Initiative Neighborhood (Lindsay Heights, Clarke Square, Layton Boulevard West)

The Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center will continue offering eviction prevention resources, mediation referrals, and case management.

The RHRC walk-in clinic is located inside the Community Advocates building at 728 N. James Lovell Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233, and is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tenants and landlords are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Intake specialists are available to assess your needs and provide connections to resources such as rent and utilities assistance, mediation services, and relocation support.

Additional assistance includes:

• Landlord/Tenant Programs: For tenants and landlords dealing with housing instability or lack of resources that could lead to eviction. Learn more.

• Rental Property Listings: Milwaukee-area rental opportunities and property management companies are updated each week on our website. Get details.

• Additional Eviction Prevention Resources: Find resources in the community to help stabilize households. Download resources now.

• Berrada Tenants Program: Community Advocates provides support to Berrada tenants and people who seek income-based rental housing in a Berrada Management apartment. Get details.

• Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center: The RHRC walk-in clinic, located in the Community Advocates building at 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53233, operates Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. During these hours, tenants and landlords can consult with an intake specialist on a first-come, first-served basis. The intake team will assess needs and offer resources or referrals for rent and utilities assistance, landlord/tenant dispute resolution through neutral mediation, and relocation services. Visit the RHRC in person, go to RentHelpMKE.org, or call 414-895-RENT (7368) for more information.

In January, Community Advocates staff came together at the Baird Center for an all-staff event centered on reflection, gratitude, and care. The day opened with words of encouragement from Board of Directors President Sharon Jordan, who attended with Vice President Natasha Dotson, followed by Pastor Kenneth R. Lock II, who grounded the day in the practice of gratitude.

Throughout the day, staff participated in wellness sessions designed to offer tools, space, and perspective. The day concluded with a powerful poem, "Routine Maintenance," by Miss Dia – the Poetry Pusher. Her words spoke directly to the reality of working with people who are navigating distress, trauma, and uncertainty. At the day’s close, every staff member received a handwritten card from a Community Advocates Board member, a tangible reminder that the work staff do every day is seen, valued, and deeply appreciated.  

The day of wellness kicked off Community Advocates' 50th Anniversary yearlong celebration and was supported by the Zilber Family Foundation's Gratitude Grant. 

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? We invite you to prepare and serve a meal to the 75 guests staying at the Milwaukee Women’s Center’s Emergency Shelter on the Near South Side of Milwaukee.

Details:

• Meals should be prepared, purchased, and served by volunteers at 6 p.m. daily.
• We provide a fully equipped commercial kitchen with all the utensils, pots, pans, and dishes, along with a commercial stove/oven. If you prefer, you can bring in fully cooked meals that are ready to serve.
• Volunteers will be required to wear hair nets, gloves, and masks when necessary to ensure the safety of all guests.
• Volunteers must complete an application and pass a background check.

This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, or groups to make a tangible difference in the lives of adults and kids who have survived domestic violence or homelessness.

Interested? Contact Jeri Kavanaugh at jkavanaugh@communityadvocates.net to discuss the details and schedule your date to serve.

Together, we can provide comfort, nourishment, and hope to those who need it most. Thank you for your support!

Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee has partnered with the Rental Housing Resource Center (located inside of the Community Advocates building, 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee) to help individuals currently looking to remove past evictions from their CCAP Search.

This free clinic will be held on the second Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is currently open to individuals with dismissed evictions and completed payment plans only. Only open to Milwaukee County. Walk-ins welcome. Appointments preferred. The next clinic will be held on Wednesday, February 11.

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.

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