Guardian Cares 2022 – Street Angels Milwaukee Outreach
Guardian Credit Union is once again choosing to support a local non-profit organization as part of its Guardian Cares program for 2022. This year, the chosen organization is Street Angels Milwaukee Outreach.
Street Angels Milwaukee Outreach is a small, not-for-profit organization that travels throughout the county to deliver things like hot food, drinking water, clothing, hygiene items, blankets, and tents to those without homes. The team travels three nights a week, or 156 nights a year, in two outreach buses to deliver these items to those in need.
For co-founder and director Eva Welch, however, the items she and her team give out are more than just things.
“We look at those items as tools to be able to connect with people and just provide them guidance and, if anything, in that moment forget about their troubles and smile because someone stopped and gave them a meal and a blanket,” Welch said. “It’s that connection and giving them that little bit of hope to get through the day.”
Street Angels Milwaukee Outreach has provided a lot of hope to those who need it most. In 2021, they served more than 13,500 meals and connected with more than 600 individuals who were experiencing homelessness. Since they’ve started tracking their data in 2018, Street Angels Milwaukee Outreach has connected with more than 1,500 individuals, with at least 410 of these individuals being connected to permanent housing, according to Welch.
Welch has not taken the difference her organization has made for granted.
“My favorite thing about the organization is giving people hope,” Welch said. “I’m very blessed to be the vessel.”
Street Angels Milwaukee Outreach is one of many organizations the Guardian Cares program has assisted since its inception in 2012, including:
2021 – Lucky Mutts Rescue
2019 — Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin
2018 — Zoological Society of Milwaukee
2017 — Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC)
2016 — CannedWater4Kids
2015 — Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative
2014 — Dryhootch of America
2013 — My Good Mourning Place
As part of its fundraising effort, Guardian will be offering branded merchandise in return for donation toward the cause. These items include the following:
$1 – Donation Sign
$2 – Mints
$5 – Tote Bag
$8 – Water Bottle
$10 – Charging Pad