For nearly 50 years, Community Advocates Inc. has been a vital part of the Milwaukee community, providing advocacy, services and connections for those in need.
The Milwaukee Women’s Center, a division of Community Advocates, is one of only two 24/7 emergency shelters for survivors of domestic violence in Milwaukee County, serving over 2,000 adults and children annually. Next spring, the center will celebrate 45 years of serving the community with an event to raise awareness and funds.
The Autumn West Safe Haven is another Community Advocates program – a housing refuge for Milwaukeeans experiencing homelessness and severe mental health challenges. Community Advocates’ Siemer Family Homelessness Prevention and Case Management Program helps low-income families stabilize their housing so their kids can stay in school and achieve academic success.
Families receive tailored support to address housing challenges, set financial goals and access critical resources. The program impacts over 250 families with school-age children annually, with 96% of households maintaining stable housing after they leave the program.
These are just three of Community Advocates’ 40-plus programs and services, which also include help with energy and rent assistance, substance use treatment, homeless outreach, and disability advocacy.
“We bring resources to one place,” says Maudwella Kirkendoll, the Chief Operating Officer. “If someone comes in and is behind in rent, we know that often there are other things at play. So we look at the other issues to provide comprehensive solutions and tools so they can safely become more independent.”
What We Do
- Founded in 1976, Community Advocates, Inc. serves over 50,000 individuals and families annually with advocacy and services that meet their basic needs every year. With over 40 programs, Community Advocates helps low-income individuals and families with utility assistance, housing stability services, emergency shelter and much more.
Where Your Money Goes
- Every contribution directly supports programs that provide stability, safety and essential resources for individuals and families facing poverty, domestic violence, mental illness and homelessness. Donations allow Community Advocates to purchase critical items such as sheets, pillows and socks, ensuring that clients have basic necessities. If you are interested in making an in-kind gift, you can do so through the wish list on the How to Help section of Community Advocates’ website.
Community Advocates
728 N. James Lovell St. | 414-449-4777
communityadvocates.net
