Community Advocates

09/08/2026

Today is 988 Day.

Today is a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength. This year's theme, "988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough," encourages all of us to reach out when we need support, no matter the reason.

Whether you're struggling, worried about a loved one, or simply need someone to talk to, calling or texting 988 can be the first step toward getting help.

Learn more about 988 and available resources: samhsa.gov/988Day

09/07/2026

Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski does a whole lot more than lead a department devoted to saving lives. He’s provided leadership to whole network of organizations devoted to saving lives. “Chief” has been a longtime ally and leader on substance abuse prevention through the county-wide Drug Free MKE coalition, which is organized by Community Advocates’ Public Policy Institute. Along with partners all over the county, Chief and Community Advocates have worked hand-in-hand to prevent overdose, increase awareness of the harm of substance abuse, teach folks how to safely store or get rid of their unwanted medication, encourage people to quit smoking and va**ng, and improve the health and safety of residents.

“Community Advocates has been frontrunners in taking care of Milwaukee’s most beleaguered communities,” Chief Lipski said. “And they have been frontrunners in fair housing, in food resources, fighting Big To***co, and fighting opioids.”

Learn how Community Advocates partners with Chief, the Milwaukee Fire Department, and dozens of organizations dedicated to changing and saving lives throughout Milwaukee County. Together, we can find common ground and lift up our community.

https://communityadvocates.net/

09/04/2026

Will we see you at our 50th Anniversary Celebration? Ticket sales end today, Friday, September 4. ⏰

You'll enjoy an inspiring evening devoted to deepening and nurturing our work with people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, lack of resources, and behavioral health issues.

RSVP now!

https://communityadvocates.net/news-events/community-advocates-50th-anniversary.html

09/04/2026

Community Advocates will be closed on Monday, September 7, to observe Labor Day.

However, our 24-hour programs will remain open — the Milwaukee Women's Center Emergency Shelter and the Autumn West Safe Haven.

If you are experiencing a domestic violence issue, please call our 24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Line at 414-671-6140. If you need help with your basic needs over the holiday weekend, please contact IMPACT 211.

We will be back in touch on Tuesday, September 8th

09/02/2026

For 50 years, Community Advocates has shown up for Milwaukee County, helping individuals and families navigate some of life's most difficult moments with compassion, dignity, and hope.

Since 1976, Community Advocates has said yes:
✅ Yes to being a helping hand.
✅ Yes to recognizing the dignity of every person.
✅ Yes to finding hope, even in difficult times.

That commitment to meeting people where they are and finding a path forward continues to define Community Advocates today.

As Community Advocates CEO Andi Elliott reminds us, "We show up every day to say yes."

Now, as we celebrate 50 years of service, we invite you to be part of the next chapter.

Join us for the Community Advocates 50th Anniversary Celebration on September 18. Ticket sales end September 4!

Help us celebrate a legacy of saying yes and invest in the next 50 years of service to Milwaukee. 💚

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/communityadvocates50th/

09/01/2026

How cool is this? Our CEO Andi Elliott and Chief Advancement Officer Deborah Heffner were featured on TMJ4 News What's Brewing Wisconsin to chat about our upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration on September 18 at the Baird Center . Ticket sales close on September 4. Get yours before it's too late!

The celebration will include inspiring stories, live entertainment, community recognition, and a keynote presentation from entrepreneur and housing advocate Yusuf Dahl. Funds raised during the event will help support programs that address housing instability, behavioral health, family support, and other critical community needs across Milwaukee.

Community Advocates celebrates 50 years of service with a special event honoring its impact, sharing inspiring stories, and supporting Milwaukee families for years to come.

08/31/2026

Looking for a new place to live? Here's a fresh list of rentals in Milwaukee. https://communityadvocates.net/what-we-do/tenant-landlord-help.html

08/31/2026

When people in our community are facing some of the hardest moments of their lives, Community Advocates is there.

From helping people stay housed and keeping the heat on to helping individuals and families find safety, dignity, and stability, Community Advocates responds when people need support most.

But the work doesn't stop there. Community Advocates is also working to address the larger challenges that can lead to crisis in the first place, combining immediate support with advocacy and systems change to help build a stronger, more stable community.

As Sharon R. Jordan, Community Advocates Board president, puts it: "For 50 years, Community Advocates has been there. Our responsibility now is to make sure it is even stronger for the next 50."

Help us celebrate 50 years of service and invest in the next chapter of Community Advocates.

Reserve your ticket now and join us for the 50th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, September 18. https://secure.qgiv.com/event/communityadvocates50th/

08/28/2026

Students, are you ready?

A number of organizations in Milwaukee are hosting backpack giveaway events this Saturday and Sunday.

08/27/2026

You--yes, you--are still needed. 💜

Milwaukee has been deeply impacted by the overdose epidemic. We've lost people we treasure and we've survived. And we've come together as a community to prevent and reduce overdoses--with very promising, life-saving results.

And yes--you are still needed.

Monday, August 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day, a time to remember, honor, and heal.

The community coalition and our partners are organizing events at Veterans Park from 5 to 8 pm on August 31 because you, because all of us, are needed to find strength in each other.

💜 One-mile community walk
💜 Community resources
💜 Guest speakers including Debra Gillispie of Moms Against Gun Violence, Sumia Masoud of the Purple Chair Project, and spoken word artist Sam Jay
💜 Candle ceremoney led by Nar-Anon Family Groups
💜 Remember Love Recovery Project
💜 Grief support
💜 Free food and raffles
💜 The iconic Hoan Bridge lighting up purple in solidarity

Milwaukee’s International Overdose Awareness Day observance is made possible through the commitment of partners working together to support healing, remembrance, and overdose prevention across our community.

Thank you to the City of Milwaukee Health Department , Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services , Milwaukee County Parks , Light the Hoan and RISE Drug Free MKE coalition members and partners for helping create a welcoming space for survivors, loved ones, and everyone affected by overdose. 💜