History of The Cathedral Center

Responding to the Need

In the mid-1990’s, the city of Milwaukee saw a dramatic increase in the rate of homelessness for women and families; up 48% from 1998-1999, with an additional increase of 13% from 1999-2000. As a reaction to this increase, two overflow shelters were created to meet the demand for shelter space and services. First operated in common areas of local churches, the overflow shelter was staffed by the American Red Cross and volunteers coordinated by the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee. Additional services were provided by Columbia St. Mary’s—St. Ben’s Clinic as well as Milwaukee County and Catholic Charities.

Partners and staff soon discovered that the need for emergency shelter services by women and families was on the rise and therefore, a more permanent solution was needed. The Cathedral Center was introduced as a model of collaboration between faith-based and non-sectarian agencies. What began as an emergency response evolved into a viable resource for women and families facing a housing crisis.

In 2002, The Cathedral Center, Inc. became incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) organization. Through a generous contribution and commitment by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, renovations to the former convent building of St. John’s began. In June 2003, The Cathedral Center hired its first Executive Director. All operations and partner services were moved into the current location at 845 N. Van Buren Street . With partner services for emergency shelter, engagement and case management services now located under one roof, The Cathedral Center implemented the final stages of its initial strategic plan. During the first 7 months of operation in the new site, combined programs served 710 single women and 1,613 families.

Strategic Development

While original plans were to maintain minimal staff, that of an Executive Director and part-time administrative assistant, securing funding for operational purposes only proved difficult. In 2004, The Cathedral Center began contracting directly with Milwaukee County ’s Disability Services Division in implementation of the then operational ANET case management program and brought on four case management staff.

The Cathedral Center assumed responsibility for all shelter operations on January 1, 2007. Contracts and funding streams were now centralized, better reflecting the amount of direct services being provided. Three more full-time and several part-time staff members were brought on or transitioned from the employ of the American Red Cross further maintaining the flow of services provided in the shelter.

In the spring of 2007, The Cathedral Center underwent a thorough strategic and fund development planning process. Reflecting national trends to serve homeless individuals and families through permanent, supported housing, The Cathedral Center entered a collaborative relationship with the Guest House of Milwaukee, Inc. Through this collaboration, The Cathedral Center has successfully placed 10 families and 7 individual women into permanent housing, providing the on-going support they need to maintain their housing as long as they choose to do so. Using this model, we will look to develop additional permanent housing units for more of our clients in the years to come.

The Future

Today, The Cathedral Center stands as a shining example of how partnerships and collaboration can positively impact our community. Of our six original partners, four agencies remain active – serving on our Board of Directors and advocating for the needs of the Center and our clients. The Cathedral Center is a fully independent organization receiving no financial support from our founding partners.

Looking toward the future as The Cathedral Center continues to grow as an organization, we remain committed to effectively and efficiently meet the ever changing needs of our clients through solid strategic planning. This strategic plan will serve as our road map enabling us to continue in our efforts to provide safe shelter to single women and families facing a housing crisis while working to end homelessness, one life at a time.