They lift your spirits, prompt you to think, make you feel grateful and inspire you to do more. They connect you to our community, shining a spotlight on what's good about our city. They're stories that are Uniquely Milwaukee.
Mister Rogers once challenged us by saying: “Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered just one kind word to another person.”
When he gave me these instructions at a young age, it wasn’t hard to look at the houses to my left and right, and then imagine friendly conversations with their owners. But what about the neighbors we pass on the street everyday on our commute — those sleeping under bridges, at bus stops, in tents.
As temperatures recently dropped to negative-15 degrees in Milwaukee, the health and wellness of these people became front of mind. And an organization in Milwaukee that for nearly a decade has been extending kindness to our neighbors experiencing homelessness continued their mission in subzero conditions.
Street Angels co-founders Shelly Sarasin and Eva Welch met volunteering at a warming shelter in 2016. When their shift ended, they realized how much work still needed to be done, both in the community and the wider city. What started with spaghetti dinners delivered around their neighborhood via minivan has become an award-winning nonprofit with an unwavering mission.
Street Angels is dedicated to helping individuals end their unsheltered homelessness by providing dignified services, advocacy, a consistent support system, connections to critical resources and hope. Their impact is quantifiable:
- 19,618 meals served through mobile outreach
- 845 showers provided through the Showers of Hope program
- Nearly 1,000 people connected to permanent housing
Their work starts with a “friends first” policy. As Sarasin explained, “The biggest thing you can do is talk to somebody and ask them, ‘How can I help you?’ — being a friend and being kind. Once you build that rapport with someone, they're more willing to open up, and from there you can learn what they need.”
Welch added that establishing trust isn’t just important; it’s critical. “A lot of what we do is caring for people until they really start to care for themselves, to want those resources.”
A friend we trust has our best interests in mind, even when they fall within our own blindspots. They’re someone who connects us with the next best steps in life when the path is crowded or confusing. A friend believes in the potential we’re working to realize. It is difficult to follow the advice of people who haven’t shown us they meet these standards.
When everyday living unsheltered is a matter of survival, finding a place to sleep, to get a meal, to stay warm, having a trusted friend or support system is a necessity. Yet this need is often overlooked. Sarasin reflected on the best thing Milwaukeeans can do when looking to support their unsheltered neighbors.
“Kindness goes a long way, and kindness is free. Anyone can do it. … It’s pretty basic right? Live that way: Stay humble, be kind. It changes lives.”
If you see someone in need, ask for their permission to reach out to Street Angels. If you’re currently experiencing unsheltered homelessness and would like to connect with Street Angels’ outreach team, call or text them at (414) 374-1971. For donations, volunteer information and hours, call their office line at (414) 930-0028.
Call 2-1-1 to get the most up-to-date information on:
- Open warming shelter locations
- Hours of operation
- Transportation options
- Eligibility or check-in guidance
