Milwaukee, WI

Capuchin Community Services expands services to help the unhoused during RNC

Published

2 years ago

July 9, 2024

Capuchin Community Services expands services to help the unhoused during RNC

MILWAUKEE — The unhoused population will be pushed out of the security zone in downtown Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention.

That’s why Capuchin Community Services, an organization that aids many vulnerable groups in Milwaukee, is preparing to expand its efforts during the convention.

What You Need To Know

Capuchin Community Services is also preparing to expand its efforts during the convention to help the homeless during the RNC

With access restricted in the security zone, St. Ben’s in downtown Milwaukee will reopen its shelter program that week

The goal of Capuchin Community Services is to eventually offer a year round shelter

Milwaukee County’s homeless outreach team and Milwaukee Continuum of Care partners will be standing by 24/7 and staffing a reception center several blocks from the security zone from July 13-20, which will be a space that can be accessed by anyone experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the immediate area of the RNC security zone

Father Mike Bertram is the director of the Capuchin Community Services.

He and his team regularly prepare the Community Meal at St. Ben’s Parish five days a week in downtown Milwaukee for those in need.

“It’s certainly free for anyone,” said Bertram. “We serve probably 175 to 200 people every night.”

Bertram said their biggest concern will be making sure they can continue to offer this meal during the convention.

“It will be a challenge for us too, just to get into work, but we really want to talk with the law enforcement agencies to make sure we have some clearance, that we abide by the regulations and the stipulations that you have to have. We recognize that,” said Bertram. “We honor that but still can have that access to continue the services that we are offering.”

With access restricted in the security zone, Bertram said now, more than ever, it is important that they reopen their shelter program that week.

(Spectrum News 1/Phillip Boudreaux)

“Sunday night through Friday night, we are going to offer shelter here for the sake that it is at least cool and comfortable but more for the sake that our guests are safe because you can understand that if somebody breaks that perimeter zone without proper authorization, now we are in some trouble,” said Bertram.

Bertram said he hopes to offer these services after the convention is over. He said their goal is to offer a year-round shelter.

“For many people, St. Ben’s is their home, especially homeless people living on the street and so they look at our services as vital not just occasional but every day,” said Bertram. “We have any number of guests that we recognize by name.”

For Bertram, that means St. Ben’s will always be a place of refuge for the community. He said that’s the first step to help those who are struggling find a better life.

Milwaukee County has also announced expanded efforts to help the unhoused during the RNC.

A spokesperson issued the following statement:

“Milwaukee County’s homeless outreach team and Milwaukee Continuum of Care partners will be standing by 24/7 and staffing a reception center several blocks from the security zone from July 13-July 20, which will be a space that can be accessed by anyone experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the immediate area of the RNC security zone. The homeless outreach team, in collaboration with the Milwaukee continuum of care partners, will be working closely that week with the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) crisis mobile team in the area to help triage homelessness and mental health needs. This is to ensure the people that County workers are supporting on the street have immediate access to resources and a place to stay overnight.”

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Milwaukee, WI

Stolen Oak Creek couple’s car found by viewer dumped near Milwaukee apartment complex

Published

1 hour ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

Stolen Oak Creek couple’s car found by viewer dumped near Milwaukee apartment complex

MILWAUKEE — An Oak Creek couple’s stolen car has been found after a viewer who saw a report on the theft spotted it near a south side Milwaukee apartment complex.

Melinna Posey said the ordeal began when her car was stolen and she turned to social media for help. A person who responded claimed to have the vehicle and demanded money for its return. The person messaging even taunted her, discarding some of the items inside the car.

Personal items were inside the vehicle, including the family’s car seat, stroller, cameras and photos.

“It’s been very stressful, especially for him. It’s his vehicle, it’s in his name,” Posey said.

Watch: Stolen Oak Creek couple’s car found by viewer dumped near Milwaukee apartment complex

Stolen Oak Creek couple’s car found by viewer dumped near Milwaukee apartment complex

I spoke to Posey on Tuesday. Since then, she and Tyler Dusenberry had been searching for the car. On Thursday, the couple received a message from someone who saw the story on TMJ4. That person found the car at a south side Milwaukee apartment complex and shared pictures of the red Dodge Durango SRT between trees and a building, covered in tarps.

“I didn’t believe the text message at first today, and then he sent pictures of the car, and I was like, thank the lord, I was like thank you so much,” Posey said.

“It’s a roller coaster that’s what it’s been,” Dusenberry said.

Brendyn Jones/TMJ4

Oak Creek Police picked up the car and are processing it for evidence. The family has not yet been able to see the inside of the vehicle or what, if anything, was left behind.

The family said they are grateful to everyone who helped them this week, but said the entire experience will be tough to get over.

“It’s just unfortunate that this all happened, and we had a lot of memories and trips within that vehicle so it’s just a little life-changing to be honest,” Dusenberry said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Milwaukee, WI

$95,000 worth of Milwaukee tools stolen in Plover

Published

11 hours ago

June 18, 2026

Press Room

,000 worth of Milwaukee tools stolen in Plover

PLOVER, Wis. (WBAY) – Police in the western part of the state are spreading the word after someone stole over $95,000 worth of Milwaukee-brand tools. Police are concerned that they’ll be sold online or sold outside the state.

Milwaukee-brand tools were stolen from a trailer at a solar farm in Plover.

Police say there were 130 items, including more than 40 half-inch impact guns, multiple wire cutters, grease guns, 80 batteries, and a couple of small generators.

Investigators are warning that buyers who purchase stolen items can have them seized and could lose their money or even face criminal charges if they knew the property was stolen.

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