Press Releases

At Press Conference, Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Sister MacCanon Brown Celebrate FY 2024 Earmark Funding to Support Expansion of Critical Services

Congresswoman Gwen Moore selected MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary Inc.’s project to receive $500,000 in community project funding (aka earmark) to support a stair tower for a repurposed facility at 2461 W. Center St. dedicated to serving severely disadvantaged residents within the surrounding neighborhoods. This building will serve individuals who are in direst need of support and services – and who suffer the greatest disparities in terms of equity and access to resources. Today’s press conference recognized this critical investment.

Earmark funding will support the construction of a five-story external stair tower for a transformed five-story former warehouse. The five-story facility will serve as an employment hub, a food production center, and a community center with a full-scale kitchen and dining area. This center will provide resources including a free health care clinic, employment tools, lead education, lead testing, housing and legal resources, literacy programs, and recovery programs for residents who are experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. 

Construction of Phase One and Phase Two of first floor are completed. The third floor of the building will include an aquaponics system occupying 70% of the floor, and environmental/health education and training center within the remaining space.

The community project funding for a stair tower will guarantee full use of the building’s five floors and ensure that the building is code compliant.

“So many of my constituents count on MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary to access nutritious food and resources like housing and legal aid and health care services. That’s why I am so thankful for their amazing work, which is meeting so many pressing needs and serving those who are struggling in Milwaukee with compassion and care. This is the beginning of an amazing project, and this earmark funding was a way for me lift up their expanding work in Congress,” said Congresswoman Moore.

This is cause for celebration! We have great appreciation for Congresswoman Gwen Moore's presence in the grant selection process as a leader whose heart and soul is attuned to the lives of her constituents, said Sister MacCanon Brown.  As this stair tower gets complete, the potential positive impact of the scope of programs and services we will be able to offer now and, in the future, here is unmeasurable. This is a day for everyone to celebrate Hope!

The MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary serves individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.  Serving one of the most disadvantaged areas in Milwaukee, activities include addressing food insecurity and housing insecurity by providing residents with fresh produce and food and housing services,  distribution of food, blankets, sleeping mats, and hygiene products,  assistance with landlord issues,  health education and screenings from a team of volunteer registered nurses, and a lead poisoning education and prevention program, among others.

Visit www.mbsanctuary.org to learn more.