Mask up, Milwaukee: Where to find free and locally made face coverings | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz & Bridget Fogarty
July 17, 2020
The City of Milwaukee is now requiring people to wear a mask in local establishments and outside when within 6 feet of others. (Photo provided from #MaskUpMKE)
Editor’s Note: This story updates places where you can get free masks.
It’s official.
If you are in public places – both indoors and outdoors — in the City of Milwaukee, you are required to wear a mask.
The ordinance went into effect Thursday and will remain until the Moving Milwaukee Forward health and safety order is lifted.
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In addition, the ordinance requires the city to create a program that provides free masks for residents in need.
Here are a few places in Milwaukee where you can find free or locally made masks.
(Did we miss a place or local vendor offering and selling masks? Please, comment below or send us an email with the subject line “Local Masks” at info@milwaukeenn.org.)
Free masks
Milwaukee Health Department
The Milwaukee Health Department is giving away free masks at the following locations:
Health Department Administrative Office, 841 N. Broadway
Keenan Health Center, 3200 N. 36th St.
Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Rd.
Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23rd St.
Local vendors
FlyBlooms
Tiffany Miller, the owner and creative force behind FlyBlooms, a local boutique that is part of the Bronzeville Collective MKE, is selling masks that come in different sizes and designs. They include sizes for children (7 inches by 5 inches); for adults (8.5 inches by 5.75 inches); and extra large for adults (9.6 inches by 6.5 inches). Masks can be purchased online. In-store supplies are limited at the Bronzeville Collective MKE, 339 W. North Ave. Prices vary.
Basia Rose Designs
Blest By Campuzano is selling masks at $5 a piece or five for $20. (Photo provided by Blest by Campuzano)
Local designer Basia Spencer is selling face masks through her boutique, Basia Rose Designs. The masks cost $10 and come in a variety of designs. Masks can be ordered online.
Blest by Campuzano
Blest By Campuzano, a family-owned tailor shop, recently got into the mask-making business. Customers can pick up masks at the shop, 2926 W. Forest Home Ave.
A single mask costs $5 and five masks cost $20. Check the Facebook page for store hours.
Regenia Henderson
Regenia Henderson is taking custom orders for masks for those wishing to add embellishments. (Photo provided by Regenia Henderson)
Regenia Henderson, a local self-taught seamstress, has been making masks since the start of quarantine. Masks can be ordered through her Facebook page or by calling/texting 414-745-4207.
Masks cost $7, embellishments such as bling cost an additional $3 and sport team masks such as the Milwaukee Brewers cost $10. Masks can be delivered, picked up or shipped.
Konkada
Milwaukee-based artist Amin Djaouga, who hails from Benin, West Africa, creates homemade reusable masks inspired by African patterns and culture. He sells them through his business Konkada on Etsy for $10 to $12. You can also find Konkada masks sold at The Waxwing, 1800 E. North Ave.
How to make your own cloth face covering
There are plenty of online tutorials approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for making your own face covering out of household materials.
Where can I get masks in bulk for my organization or establishment?
Frequently asked questions
Check the Milwaukee Health Department’s list of frequently asked questions regarding the mask ordinance.
Still have questions about mask-wearing and where to find one for yourself? Email the City of Milwaukee Health Department at ASKMHDCOVID19@milwaukee.gov for more information.
The ordinance at a glance
Indoor and outdoor requirements:
Exceptions may include:
Enforcement: