Milwaukee Park & Ride Residents Face Closure Amid Homelessness Crisis
Eva Welch, co-founder of the homeless outreach group Street Angels, has witnessed the growth of unique communities at Park & Ride lots in Milwaukee. However, the recent announcement of closures at two Park & Ride lots on Holt and College Avenues has left many residents in limbo. These lots have become a shelter for many unhoused Milwaukeeans, with makeshift shelters and a sense of community developing among residents.
The closure comes after reports of declining safety conditions, with over 80 people being removed from the lots in the past year. Milwaukee County officials have been working to connect those individuals with housing services, but more and more unhoused people continue to occupy the lots. Many factors, including economic struggles and past trauma, have contributed to the increase in homelessness in the area.
With winter approaching, the closure of the Park & Ride lots has left many residents without immediate housing options. The response from local officials has been mixed, with some calling for more affordable housing and support for those facing housing instability. Meanwhile, outreach groups like Street Angels are struggling to keep up with the increasing demand for services.
As the homelessness crisis in Milwaukee continues to escalate, it is clear that more support and resources are needed to help those in need. Collaborative efforts between nonprofits, local officials, and outreach groups will be crucial in addressing the growing challenges faced by the unhoused population in the city.
Source
Photo credit wisconsinexaminer.com