Program areas at CA
Comprehensive housing programs provide case management, advocacy, relocation services, and financial assistance to reduce the risk of homelessness for individuals and families who are low-income and vulnerable to becoming homeless. In 2023, 2,237 households in milwaukee and waukesha county received emergency rental assistance, stabilizing their housing situations amid temporary financial hardship; 7,876 landlords and tenants received support resolving issues related to rental housing; 254 adults and 574 children received intensive case management services and support to enhance housing stability, school attendance, and financial well-being; 3,363 residents accessed resources through the milwaukee rental housing resource center to prevent or divert eviction; 886 individuals obtained employment through the foodshare and employment training program.
Utilities programs help low-income individuals and families avoid service interruption and disconnection. During 2023, 27,793 energy assistance applications were processed to provide financial assistance, and payment plans for these families to maintain their utilities and 1,621 individuals completed crisis applications to prevent disconnection or have their utilities restored.
Community Advocates formed the public policy institute (ppi) in 2008. Ppi focuses on reducing poverty by improving economic and employment opportunities; aiding access to health care and housing; and preventing tobacco use and substance misuse while promoting mental well-being among milwaukee's youth, adults, and families. During 2023, 77 families at risk of formal milwaukee county child protective services involvement were connected with supportive case management services, peer support, and home visitation by the stronger families milwaukee program; 1,241 participants attended 89 mental health awareness workshops on mental health first aid, suicide prevention, verbal de-escalation, and mindful gratitude; more than 200 individuals attended plticas (bilingual workshops, "escucha tus emociones / listen to your emotions") in the Community; 289 participants attended lgtbtq+ behavioral health trainings; 45,108 individuals were informed about substance misuse prevention education; 752 youth participated in life skills workshops through the rise drug-free mke coalition.
Disability advocacy programs provide ssi/ssdi application assistance to individuals with disabilities and protective payee services to individuals and families needing help managing their finances. In 2023, 355 consumers received assistance with filing for ssi and ssdi benefits and 76 individuals with disabling conditions received protective payee and financial management services.autumn west safe haven is a low-barrier housing refuge for individuals who are currently homeless and experiencing severe and persistent mental health challenges. This program is an alternative to emergency shelter and designed to provide safe, short-term housing along with supportive services for residents as they transition out of homelessness. Autumn west embraces housing first and harm reduction principles. In 2023, 36 individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and mental illness received stable shelter and supportive services through the autumn west safe haven while working to secure permanent housing.the homeless outreach program (hop) provides person-centered, housing-focused outreach and engagement to individuals with mental illness and other disabilities who are living on the streets or other places not meant for human habitation. Clients are assessed by clinicians and Advocates and are provided with services to assist them in stabilizing their mental and physical health and homeless situations. During 2023, 183 individuals experiencing street homelessness received critical outreach through the homeless outreach program.project bridge/autumn west permanent housing program provides immediate access to safe and affordable housing to 101 milwaukee residents who have been identified as chronically homeless and living with a disability. The program provides case management services that employ up-to-date best practices such as trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction to help program participants achieve housing stability.the family support center (fsc) provides shelter, food, clothing, personal care items, and case management services to help families access and secure affordable housing to alleviate homelessness. During 2023, 213 individuals experiencing homelessness received safe shelter and assistance through the fsc emergency shelter.