Post from Community: Street Angels rises from the ashes | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Street Angels
March 29, 2022
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“January 20 is a night seared into our memories. This wasn’t just a bus. It was an important vessel in connecting with individuals, providing resources, and more importantly, hope. This shocking act of violence scared us but the community lifted us up immediately. With deep gratitude, we are pleased to announce we’re back to serving the community with a new Street Angels bus.” Co-Executive Director Shelly Sarasin
Just two months after a devastating fire, Street Angels will formally unveil their new bus on March 30 at 10am at 1236 S. Layton Blvd, Milwaukee 53215. Representatives from STRATTEC Security Corporation and The Daily Bird, two donor organizations, will join the celebration to share why they were inspired to get involved.
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Staff were notified of a fire in the parking lot just hours after wrapping night outreach in January. The fire completely destroyed one of the two buses used for outreach and caused extensive damage in the second, despite heroic efforts from the Milwaukee Fire Department. The community responded immediately with an outpouring of financial donations, practical help, and moral support.
Street Angels’ primary concern was continuing service to their friends. They hit the street with minivans at first, then through the use of a bus from partner agency Hunger Task Force. After a national search for a replacement, Co-Executive Director Eva Welch drove the new bus home from Nevada and the team made the modifications necessary to begin service this month.
“Last year we brought food, survival supplies, and hope to 590 people experiencing homelessness in our community. We know our outreach changes lives. We’re grateful to be ‘on the road again’ thanks to the generosity of STRATTEC and over 1,000 individual donors, organizations, businesses, and congregations.” Board President Jan Wilberg
Street Angels is taking steps to ensure the safety of the new bus and the volunteers who serve on it, as the fire is still under investigation.