Who We Serve

The Cathedral Center serves women and families who are experiencing homelessness or housing crises. Homelessness is often dangerous and leads to trauma and social consequences if left unaddressed. In addition to poverty, data points to many causes of homelessness: scarcity of affordable housing, evictions, untreated mental health and substance abuse issues, and increasing rates of domestic violence, as major facilitators of housing crises for thousands of people on any given night in Milwaukee.

In addition, today’s portrait of a homeless person has evolved from the single older male to a person who is younger, better educated, and often accompanied by their family. In fact, women and children are arguably the population most vulnerable to victimization. This is why The Cathedral Center prioritizes keeping families together.

What Their Needs Are

Women and families experiencing homelessness and housing crises face challenges with unique hurdles
including a lack of safe, affordable childcare, domestic violence, navigating job loss, health issues, and transportation.
These hurdles are multiplied by the number of children or other dependents in their household.

While our guests and clients are challenged by the need for safe housing, financial independence, and emotional support, their barriers are far more complex.

The Cathedral Center understands these complexities and offers programs that address the specific needs of women and families in crises. Through emergency shelter and housing, we provide a safe place to rest and set goals. Through employment services, child & family services, and case management, we empower individuals to rebuild their lives. Our team works closely with each person to create a personalized plan promoting long-term stability & self-sufficiency. We offer counseling and life skills training to help women and families overcome their immediate challenges and thrive in the future. We are dedicated to our clients' lasting independence and security.

The Importance of Emergency Shelters

Emergency shelters are a critical first step in the rehousing process, providing immediate safety and stability for individuals and families. Shelters offer a secure environment where people can escape crises and begin to rebuild their lives. In collaboration with other Milwaukee County basic needs providers, The Cathedral Center employs a housing-focused, strength-based approach to shelter services that builds upon our own Flexible Housing model.

We are part of a comprehensive care network helping clients move from emergency shelter to lasting independence.

As one of the largest providers of shelter nights for women and families in Milwaukee, The Cathedral Center is a critical part of the community's basic needs services. We remain a top provider of emergency shelter beds for single women and provide homeless prevention services through our Community Case Management program, recognized as a best practice among a growing list of providers.

Emergency shelter is needed now more than ever to offer a safe place until a safe, affordable housing option is secured. Since 2004, we have provided a consistent or increased number of shelter nights to those in need, underscoring the ongoing demand for emergency shelter services. With each night of shelter, we offer more than just a bed—we provide hope, support, and the opportunity for a better future for women and families experiencing homelessness.