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.

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.

“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.”