Thank you for being a part of our community
Together we will ensure that Metcalfe Park becomes and remains a robust and thriving Community that we know it can be. Thank you for living here, moving here, and being a part of the fabric that makes Metcalfe Park what it is. This resource toolkit includes information a& tools that support your ability to act on what you want with your neighbors collectively for our community. Metcalfe Park is located from 27th to 38th & North to Center. This toolkit is created for Metcalfe Park Residents but will also be useful to neighboring communities. Share this toolkit far and wide in Milwaukee.
Are you ready to get into action in your community? If so, this is the perfect toolkit for you.
About Metcalfe Park Community Bridges Inc.
The Metcalfe Park Community Bridges’ mission is to cultivate resident-led community development rooted in social justice. Our community created priorities are:
Civic Engagement
Safety & Place Making
Intergenerational Wealth
Connectedness & Cultural Vibrancy
Health & Wellness
We work with our neighbors and supportive partners to create and maintain a robust and thriving community. We work to carry out the strategies and goals from our Community-Led Reinvestment Plan. Will you join us in this work?
Check out for more information:
Facebook: @MetcalfeParkCommunityBridges
Instagram: @MetcalfePark2020
www.metcalfeparkbridges.org
Facebook: @MetcalfeParkCommunityBridges
Instagram: @MetcalfePark2020
www.metcalfeparkbridges.org
Collection Schedules & Set Out Waste Instructions
Find out more information about collection and set out for waste.
- Carts and bins must be at the collection point (alley line or curb line) by 7 AM on designated pickup dates.
- Carts must have a clear path to them and free from ice and snow accumulation.
- Carts must be 3 feet away from other objects.
- Carts and bins must be returned to the storage area by 10 PM (Sec. 79-5.5 and/or 79-32)
- If you do not return carts to a storage area may result in a violation and fine.
- Scheduled winter pickups for garbage and some recycling routes may be postponed because of winter weather. In this situation, leave the cart(s) at the collection point until it's emptied. No fines or violations will be cited in these cases.
- Garbage must be bagged. Recyclables must be loose.
* Note: most recycling routes are unscheduled in the winter, and recycling notifications for these routes pause in the December – March time period. Visit Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay or call (414) 286-CITY (2489) to review your collection schedule.
Curbside Collection
Sanitation collects garbage and household recyclables from around 190,000 households with 1 - 4 units in the City of Milwaukee. Collection days may change each spring as collection routes are reconfigured and typically change throughout the year that change because of City holidays. Garbage is collected weekly, and recycling collection schedules vary. Go to: Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay for more information about collection schedules especially in the winter!
Fall Leaf Collection Test
Metcalfe Park residents can rake leaves into the street from October 1 through November 15. This guide to leaf collection will help you make it as easy as possible for you and the city employees.
Leaves raked out after the deadline will not be collected. You can:
- Mulch the leaves into the lawn
- Bring the leaves to a Drop Off Center
North Location
3879 W Lincoln Avenue
South Location
6660 N Industrial Road (must enter Industrial Road from Mill
Road)
Road)
Rake leaves loose into the curb lane. Leave a one-foot gap between the leaves and the curb. The 1' gap helps the equipment to collect all of the leaves, protects the equipment from damage, and helps prevent flooding by allowing stormwater to move to the storm drains. Keep piles away from sewer grates, storm drains, and low-hanging trees. Include yard debris such as flowers, garden trimmings, and weeds on top of leaf piles. Do not include grass clippings, pumpkins, litter, or bagged material. Do not put brush in the leaf piles. Keep the brush separate and located between the curb and sidewalk.
PAPER BAGS INFORMATION:
Residents must use brown paper yard waste bags available at area stores for their garden/yard waste.
A 5-pack of 30-gallon paper bags can be purchased for $5.98 at Ace hardware. Available for pick up or delivery:
For curb pick-up, make sure that the bags of garden waste are kept out of the street and instead placed along the area between the sidewalk and curb, on the lawn edge if there is no sidewalk, or at the end of the driveway. For alley collection, place items at the alley line.
Clean Communities
Sanitation promotes clean neighborhoods through a bunch of programs.
Street & Alley Sweeping
The City of Milwaukee conducts machine sweeping of streets and alleys depending on weather conditions. A post-winter “heavy sweeping” program usually begins in late March and continues throughout April, clearing curb lanes and paths of winter’s accumulation of debris. Street sweeping frequency varies based on population density, on-street parking, and combined sewer borders. Sweepers are attached with leaf rakes in October and November to take small leaf piles to turn them into bigger piles for a more efficient collection of leaves. See the frequency of street sweeping from May through November:
Hosting a neighborhood cleanup is a great way to build community and raise awareness about litter.
Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful supplies bags and loans tools to groups hosting cleanups. Register to host the cleanup and reserve your supplies online.
Why the City Assistance can help
Drop Off Centers
Collected garbage can be set out with your regular trash
(if less than 1 cubic yard), or taken to a
(if less than 1 cubic yard), or taken to a
North Location
3879 W Lincoln Avenue
South Location
6660 N Industrial Road (must enter Industrial Road from Mill
Road)
Road)
Clean and Green
On a neighborhood's Clean & Green Week, you can set additional garbage cans for free collection. Consider planning your cleanup to be right before this unique Clean & Green week.
Neighborhood Cleanup Dumpsters
Do you have a large amount of garbage that can’t fit in the bin? Follow this request information for a dumpster. A limited number of dumpsters are available from Sanitation for use by organized neighborhood cleanups. Dumpsters are dropped off by 10 AM and are collected by 4 PM on Saturdays between late April and the end of July. Reservations open March 1st and are available first, come-first served. Neighborhood cleanup dumpsters can be reserved online or by calling 414-286-3345 for availability.
To get texts and email reminders about collection days sign up clicking the button below:
How to Report Potholes
How are potholes created?
Most winter potholes are created when cracks allow water to seep into the cracks. Once this happens, the trapped moisture underneath the asphalt can freeze, which pushes the pavement up. When the temperature rises, the trapped ice melts, creating a space in the pavement.
Wherever there is a pothole on your street take pictures and report it to the Department of Public Works for repair.
To report a pothole or other street maintenance problems:
Tree and Plant Information: Reporting Dead or Sick Trees
How do I report a tree that is down in Milwaukee?
Please submit your requests online for the following services:
- Lawns or weeds that are overgrown (taller than 7 inches)
- Tree branches that need trimming, including those that block signs or street or traffic lights
- Insect infestations, including Bee/Wasp Nest, Emerald Ash Borer, and Gypsy Moth
- Snow not shoveled on sidewalks or City vacant lots
- Other concerns regarding trees or plants
Other concerns regarding trees or plants For trees that are damaged, sick or diseased, branches that are down or hanging, or if you have any questions, please call the City of Milwaukee Call Center by clicking the button below.
Want to throw a Block Party?
You'll need a Block Party Permit.
Block Party Permits are issued to residents of the City of Milwaukee to block off the street they live on for events such as block watch meetings, neighborhood fellowship, welcoming new homeowners to the block, etc.
Planning a block party is a big job and requires the support of those who reside on the street that will be closed. A Neighborhood Approval Petition must be submitted by all applicants each time a block party is applied for. You can get this petition through by going to your neighbors and asking for their Name, Number, Address, and Signature.
Block Party applicants must reside on the block and are responsible for following the conditions of the permit - including setup and take-down of the barricades, cleanup of the public sign on the street- immediately following the event, and maintaining a clear lane for emergency vehicles. Block Party Permits are not issued for streets that are considered "main thoroughfares."
Applications must be submitted online at least two weeks prior to the event date. This will allow enough time for your application to gain approval from the District Alderperson (Russel W. Stamper II), the Department of Public Works, and the Milwaukee Police Department.
If you want to throw a Block Party in Metcalfe Park go to the link to Apply:
If you need support printing, completing application or want support for your Block Party contact us. www.metcalfeparkbridges.org. You can also find the link to the Permit on our Website.
Night and Winter Parking
Through the link below you can find information on parking regulations for all seasons.
All motor vehicles need a permit for Night Parking, below you can purchase parking for overnight.
Where to Purchase:
Follow this link to purchase a nighttime parking permit:
To Find information about Winter Parking, and the restrictions, follow this link. It will tell you all the places near your home where you can and can't park.
Citizen Complaints
Have the police done something bad to you or a neighbor?
What is a complaint?
A complaint is a belief that a member of the Milwaukee Police Department has violated a Department Code of Conduct, a federal or state law, an ordinance of the City of Milwaukee, or dissatisfaction with a policy or procedure of the Milwaukee Police Department.
Who can file a complaint?
Anyone can file a complaint.
If you have a problem with how the city treats our neighborhood, call this number: 414-286-5000
Report Street Light Being Out
WE energies powers the city lights.
Identifying light owner:
Street lights are owned and maintained by municipalities, property owners, and utilities; if the light poles are damaged or broken, call 414-286-2489 to get the owner to fix it. The city will find the owner and get them to fix it.
Gardening In a City
Some of us have green space in our back and front yards. There's plenty to grow in our yards besides grass, including food, herbs, and flowers (native flowers too!). On PBS Wisconsin, there are some tips on getting started in your yard.
You can also have plants indoors; if you want to support a Black-owned plant store, check out in Maranta Plant Shoop in Bronzeville, 1739 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53212.
Here are some tips on having houseplants as well:
Mutual Aid: What is it? How to participate?
What is Mutual aid though?
Mutual aid is about neighbors helping neighbors. Mutual aid creates networks of care and generosity to meet our immediate needs. It also addresses the root causes of challenges and demands to create transformation of Metcalfe Park.
When the pandemic hit, we understood that government and social services fell short of providing us things that meet our basic needs, so we prepared kits to drop off at homes. Eventually, we moved this process to our office, where you all could come in and take what you need. In 2022 we built the first Mutual Aid Shed, which will be open every Fridays to go and get FREE clothes, hygiene kits, diapers, baby wipes, clothing and shoes, and sometimes non-perishable food.
When is the shed open? You can come by on Fridays from 1-3 pm. The location is 2620 N 34th Street.
If you have items you want to donate to Mutual Aid Shed to continue a cycle of care for neighbors, then contact Jarrod Logan at 414-533-7416.
Weatherization Tips
Weatherization is protecting a building and its insides from the environmental elements, particularly sunlight, precipitation, snow, and wind, and modifying the building to reduce energy consumption (more $ WE Energies) and optimize energy efficiency. The Social Development Commission aids community members in Weatherizing our homes. By weatherizing homes, the cost of our energy bills goes down.
Typical weatherization procedures include:
- Sealing cracks, gaps, and holes
- Sealing air ducts, which can account for 20% of heat loss
- Protecting pipes from corrosion and freezing
- Providing proper ventilation to unconditioned spaces
- Installing insulation in walls, floors, and ceilings
- Replacing old drafty doors with tightly sealing, foam-core doors
- Replacing older windows with low-energy, double-glazed windows
US Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has several goals: to help us save on utility costs, reduce energy consumption, and reduce gas emissions. Activities covered under WAP include:
- Adding insulation.
- Replacing heating and/or cooling systems.
- Air-sealing doors and windows.
- Various repairs.
Families with weatherized homes are expected to save $358 on their first year's utility bills.
For more information about WAP go to this link:
Lead Abatement
Lead abatement includes
- inspection for lead exposure
- risk assessments to see how much the lead there is
Lead abatement must be performed by educated, certified professionals with proper safety protocols to limit lead exposure.
Lead Safe Home Improvement (Milwaukee)
If your home was built before 1978, it may contain lead paint. Homes built before 1950 usually have the highest concentrations of lead paint. Repairing and remodeling painted surfaces in homes built before 1978, if done unsafely, can be hazardous. If lead dust is swallowed or breathed, it can cause lead poisoning.
If you are doing home renovations, you may be eligible to rent a HEPA vacuum from the City of Milwaukee Health Department Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program free of charge. Call (414) 286-2165 for an appointment to rent a HEPA vacuum.
For more information on safe home renovations:
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention: For more information call 414-286-2165.
- Have your doctor test your child for lead.
- Find the sources of lead in your home.
- Safely clean up lead paint and dust.
- Be cautious when performing any home repairs or renovations
- Wash your child's hands and toys
- Make sure the paint in your home is not chipping
- Washing fruits and produce
- Filter your water, if you can just boil it
- What foods to be cautious of
- Children with a full stomachs are less likely to absorb lead. Offer 4-6 snacks or meals every day.
- Children who consume reasonable amounts of iron, calcium, vitamin C, and protein will absorb less lead. Keep fat intake low.
- Offer snacks like fruit, vegetable sticks (maybe with peanut butter), iron fortified cereal or bread, cheese or pudding instead of candy or chips.
Dedicated to providing information about lead in homes and providing free resources such as filtration kits, lead testing kits, and support for affected families. To take action now go to this link: https://coalitiononleademergency.org/
Community Water Services is in the process of increasing the testing of water lines in Milwaukee. They also do referrals for medical services, and eventually will be moving into water treatment systems for the entire house. For more information scan the QR code or call 414-507-9400.
Businesses in the Neighborhood: how to start your own business
How to start your own business:
Current Business in the neighborhood:
- Fresh Fast and Delicious - 3821 w Center St, Fresh-Fast & Delicious proudly serves delicious food to the greater Milwaukee community.
- Nextdoor Foundation - 2545 n 29th St; Next Door provides early childhood education in Milwaukee, helping children and families build a brighter future filled with opportunity and success.
- Capitol Stamping - 2700 w north ave, Capitol Stampings offers expert metal forming and metal stamping capabilities, including custom metal stamping, custom tooling, robotic welding, resistance welding, and split steel pulley technology.
- Beauty to the Max - 3602 w north ave, beauty supply store
- H&M Auto Parts and Services - 2424 n 30th St, (414) 374-7922, Car parts and repairs
- Supreme Disposal - 2431 n 30th St, Waste management service in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, (414) 239-8822
- Happiness in Little Things - 2908 w Wright St, Customs warehouse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Brains-Our Future Child Care - 290 w Clarke St, Child care agency in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, (414) 372-9013
- Milwaukee Public Library Center St - 2727 Fond Du Lac Ave, Center StreetLibrary continues to provide public access to library materials, services, and programs for all ages. A community room and a conference room are available for public use by reservation. Curbside service is available. Please call the curbside pickup phone number on-site in the parking lot. (414)286-3000
- American Auto Salvage - 3015 w Center St, Auto parts store, (414) 444-3838
- Milwaukee Air Duct Cleaning Pros - 2403 n 34th St, Air duct cleaning service. As people in Milwaukee become aware of indoor-air quality importance, there is a growing demand for Air duct cleaning. Air sanitizing and odor killing have become a method of killing bacteria build up in vents. A coil cleaning service is integral to maintaining a healthy and viable home environment and the most efficient one. Besides microbial contaminants, it removes dust, debris, and dirt. To ensure the peak performance of your ducts, call your local HVAC technician and schedule a dryer vent cleaning. 414-240-1604
- Krazy Kolers Auto - 2407 n 37th st, Car repair and maintenance (414)795-2598
- Ronnies Barber Shop - 3714 w center st, (414) 447-9927
- Kennedys Circle of Wellness - 3614 w north Ave, Kennedy's Circle of Wellness is a holistic center providing various mental health services. Available services include psychotherapy/ counseling, neuro therapy with qEEG and EEG assessment, EMDR therapy, wellness coaching, sound healing, yoga, and meditation for children, teens, and adults. Go to their website to book an appointment, (414) 346-0276
- Brilliant G NImmer, MD - 2561 n 29th st, pediatrician, (414) 264-5338
- MXD by Trappers - 2665 n 35th St, recording studio; go to the website to book an appointment
- Selfish Evolution - 3614 w north ave, wellness center
Green Spaces
Within our neighborhood, we have two parks. One is Butterfly Park which has a playground at North 35th Street and West Meinecke Avenue. Join us in the park!
We also have a park at 34th & Center called Metcalfe Rising Park. We hold tons of events here, to check out our social medias to keep up with events and FREE resources:
There is another space where Metcalfe Park Community Bridges began a Healing Space with help from Healing Spaces MKE which is partially redesigned. This healing space will be located at 2652 North 36th Street and is called "Picking Up the Pieces."
We have the garden space at 2800 w Wright St across from Wesley Scott Senior Living. We will continue to create a beautiful easy-to-maintain park, for the senior residents living across the street, including grills, campfire rings, benches, garbage cans, and a pavilion.
In May 2023 we bought the two lots from the city.
We began the planning Backyard Gardening Project Program, which is under our priority area of Heath and Wellness. This program serves to increase neighbors participation in environmentally responsible practices. The actions engage our community in attending events and workshops related to:
- Feeding America resources
- Foodshare program: how to navigate the system
- Workshops on perennials and annuals
- What plants are best in shade vs sun
- Where to plant
- Groundwork MKE installing 40 beds for free into neighbors yards and providing seeds (May 2023)
- Information on our annual bloom and groom event: discounted plants and flowers
- What foods are healthy and can decrease the lead exposure in our bodies, in children and adults
Voting Information
To:
- register to vote
- find where you vote
- find out what's on your ballot (representatives and referendum questions)
- request an absentee ballot (a ballot completed and mailed in before an election by a person who is unable to be present at the polls)
Visit: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/
What to bring to vote?
- Bring an acceptable photo ID to the polling place. You should also bring proof of residence (mail sent to you) if you need to register or finish registering at the polls.
- Any Wisconsin resident who does not have a valid driver's license (from Wisconsin or another jurisdiction) may apply for an ID card. You may not hold a valid driver's license and an ID card simultaneously. If you have a valid driver's license and want an ID card, you must give up your driver's license and driving privileges.
- If you need to get an ID, visit https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/how-to-apply/id-card.aspx
- Check in with the greeter if your polling place has one. Greeters usually verify if you are registered or need to complete a form. The greeter can direct you to the correct line if the polling place covers multiple wards.
- Fill out a new registration form if you are a new Wisconsin voter or have changed your name or address since you last voted. You will have to provide proof of residence when registering.
Voting: Ballot Referendum
What is a Ballot Referendum??
A vote on a single specific issue put to the public by the government of the day. A form of direct democracy. For Example:
The November 2022 election on the ballot was this question.
- Do you favor allowing adults 21 years of age and older to engage in the personal use of marijuana while regulating commercial marijuana-related activities and imposing a tax on the sale of marijuana?
- MEANING: Should the government legalize weed for people over 21 years old?
- It passed in favor of legalizing weed in Wisconsin 74.3% voted yes, 25.7% no.
But when do these become laws?
- They tell representatives what to change through a democratic process.
- There are multiple kinds of referendums: the three main types of referendums— advisory, binding, and petition.
- For binding referendums, if enough people vote for them, they become law. For example, many school referendums are binding.
So why bother voting on these referendums?
- They may not change our laws immediately, but it is an act of democracy and puts pressure on the representatives we have voted into office to act on our needs.
"But they make the referendum long and confusing"
- Yes, they do. The questions are confusing and frustrating, especially when in the voting booth.
- It helps to look at your upcoming ballot on myvote.wi.gov before going to vote so that you can look up what it means in everyday language. On our social media we will do a breakdown of what they mean.
- Side note: These are often called referendum questions when they are not questions but statements wanting the answers yes or no, but if you want to vote yes, it means that you agree with the information, and no if you disagree.
City Budget Breakdown
2023: The Milwaukee Common Council adopted a version of the city's $1.72 billion budget for 2023. The 2023 tax rate will be $9.16, a $ 1 decrease from 2022. The mayor's office initially said they would be making budget cuts to the fire department, police, and library. But they only made significant cuts to libraries and the fire department.
Look back at the last budget:
- Health and Human Services ($368 million) was the most significant amount spent. This includes Disabilities Services, Behavioral Health, Youth and Family Services, Housing, and Energy Assistance.
- Then was transportation: $308 Million; the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) connects the community to jobs, education, and life with essential transit services. The MCTS strives to be the preferred transportation choice through service excellence and innovation.
- Administration and government officials: $115 million,
- Public Safety: $124 Million; this includes law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, security forces, and military forces.
- Parks Rec Culture: $74 million; Parks and recreation are resources and services provided for leisure, entertainment, and recreational pursuits. Resources may include public spaces and facilities like parks, nature preserves, open space areas, greenways, trails, and built structures for sports, recreation, or arts programs.
- Debt services: $48 million, This is just another word for the total debt you pay each year. This would include your estimated new mortgage payment, property taxes, credit card bills, auto loans, student loans, and any other income you make each month.
- Courts Judiciary: $54 million
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law, delivering $65.1 billion of direct and flexible aid to America's cities, towns, and villages.Milwaukee still has $92.7 million that they need to distribute.
Link to the City’s landing page for ARPA for more information
Link to the City’s press release
Additionally there’s another opportunity to complete the community survey regarding the ARPA dollars (survey is in Hmong and Spanish as well)
Who are your representatives?
To find out who each of your representatives visit this link:
It will show you all forms of each government position and their numbers.
Using the Metcalfe Park Community Bridges office address, the representatives are as listed:
- Tearman Spencer: Milwaukee City Attorney (414) 286-2601
- Spencer Coggs: Milwaukee City Treasurer (414) 286-2240
- Aycha Sawa: Milwaukee City Comptroller (414) 286-3321
- Cavalier Johnson: Mayor of Milwaukee (414) 286-2200
- Scott B. Manske: Milwaukee County Comptroller (414) 278-3001
- George L. Christenson (D): Milwaukee County Clerk (414) 278-4067
- Anna Maria Hodges (D): Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court (414)278-4190
- David Cullen (D): Milwaukee County Treasurer (414) 278-4033
- John T. Chisholm (D): Milwaukee County District Attorney (414) 278-4646
- Denita R. Ball (D): Milwaukee County Sheriff (414) 278-4766
- Israel Ramón (D): Milwaukee County Register of Deeds (414) 278-4021
- David Crowley: Milwaukee County Executive (414) 278-4211
- Rebecca Grassl Bradley: WI State Supreme Court Justice (608) 266-1883
- Rebecca Frank Dallet: WI State Supreme Court Justice (608) 266-1884
- Patience D. Roggensack: WI State Supreme Court Justice (608) 266-1888
- Jill K. Karofsky: WI State Supreme Court Justice (608) 266-1882
- Brian Hagedorn: WI State Supreme Court Justice (608) 266-1885
- Annette Kingsland Ziegler: WI State Supreme Court Justice (608) 266-1881
- Ann Walsh Bradley: WI State Supreme Court Justice (608) 266-1886
- Evan Goyke (D): WI State Assembly Member (608) 237-9118
- LaTonya Johnson (D): WI State Senator (608) 266-2500
- Josh Kaul (D): WI State Attorney General (608) 266-1221
- Sarah Godlewski (D): WI Secretary of State (608) 266-8888
- John Leiber (R): WI State Treasurer (608) 266-1714
- Jill Underly: WI State Superintendent of Public Instruction (608) 266-3390
- Sara Rodriguez (D): Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin (608) 266-3516
- Tony Evers (D): Governor of Wisconsin (608) 266-1212
- Gwen Moore (D): U.S. Representative (202) 225-4572
- Tammy Baldwin (D): U.S. Senator (202) 224-5653
- Ron Johnson (R): U.S. Senator (202) 224-5323
To find out more information on their role of responsibilities and duties in decision making on our behalf:
Advocacy Work at Metcalfe Park Community Bridges
Butterfly Park Rebuild
In 2019 the Butterfly Park playground was partially burned and unsafe for our Community. For nearly two years, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges advocated for a new, safe, and playable park that would be a central part of the Community. Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, CarMax, Kaboom, Greenbay Packers, and Milwaukee Turners partnered on the $100,000 project with the city of Milwaukee.
Kaboom created a survey to understand best what the Community (ranging from children to elders) wanted to see reflected on this playground. More than 170 volunteers helped reconstruct this playground, and we are still redesigning it.
"This park brings back the joy for me being able to run, scream loud and obnoxiously outdoors and be a kid and I'm so happy to give that to my children and the neighbors again," said Brittney Taylor with Metcalfe Park Community Bridges.
Big Clean (October 2022)
We joined the city's initiative for Big Clean Milwaukee to assist in cleaning up trash along the streets and parks of Metcalfe Park.
Our Alderman and neighbors made this day possible, and we are grateful for their support. The day before, we also participated by raking leaves for our neighbors, especially our elders who needed extra assistance.
At both events, we provided food for the community to make sure we weren't serving on an empty stomach.
WE Energies Rally
We Energies is asking for more than an 8% increase beginning in 2023. An estimated 50,000 low-income We Energies customers are in the City of Milwaukee. More than 100,000 low to middle-income households in Milwaukee will be adversely impacted if We Energies is awarded a rate increase by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.
There was an in-person hearing to speak our minds to the WI Public Service Commission on Thursday, November 3, 2022. 5 Residents supported by speaking, amongst 10s of people, during this hearing and were able to speak their peace and argue against the increasing rate of 8%.
On April 13, 2023, we helped participate in a protest against WE Energies for their unaffordable utility prices. More than 30 people came across Milwaukee to reimagine a collective future without being tied to these rising costs.
Our work in Mutual Aid
As mentioned, we have a Mutual Aid Shed open each week, providing free services to community members such as diapers, baby wipes, clothing and shoes, and non-perishable foods.
This work is essential with the community to be uplifted while decreasing costs from their pocket.
It relies on donations for neighbors of Milwaukee as well as a partnership with the Milwaukee Diaper Mission.
Jewish Community Pantry
Twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Jewish Community Pantry (2900 w Center St) is open to community members of the 53210 and 53208 to come and get produce and bread once a week as well as all things pantry items (including diapers and sanitary products) once a month.
Open on:
- Tuesdays 4-6pm
- Thursdays 9-12pm
From Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, staff goes to help assist neighbors with bringing groceries to their car, handing out our monthly newsletters, and providing information about voting.
Street Redesign: Safety Initiative
Throughout the area of Milwaukee, a genuine and dangerous reckless driving problem puts families at risk. Metcalfe Park is no exception to the problem.
Metcalfe Park Community Bridges has taken the initiative to try to be a part of the solution. We, as well as many other organizations, have worked with the city to do something to slow the traffic down.
On Meinecke and 37th, an intersection was hazardous to drivers and community members, so in 2022, the city installed safety precautions to slow folks down and decrease crashes.
"Alone, our rapid implementation projects have seen traffic speeds reduced by more than 20% and have reduced passing on the right," Kruschke said.
They also implemented a speed bump on 37th right before that intersection to decrease the speed of cars entering it.
We recognize that potholes are another issue that can be dangerous to cars and accidents, and we hope our residents can help identify and report them to the city in hopes that they will fix them ASAP.
Voting: Jammin' at the Polls
Since the election in 2020, we have joined other organizations in promoting voting literacy and increasing turnout by hosting Jammin at the Polls. We have had Music, Hot Food, Artists creating on-site at these events, and Photobooths as well as information about polling location, registration, and what's on the ballot that day.
Redress Movement (December 2022)
The Redress Movement is an emerging racial justice organization that aims to organize racially and ethnically diverse local movements in communities throughout the U.S. We will help residents to build and wield the collective power needed to redress residential segregation of their own and neighboring communities.
During a press conference outside of the Milwaukee Courthouse, the community showed solidarity across culture and economic backgrounds in Milwaukee to address and bring forth the many challenges, disparities, and racially motivated dis-investment in housing.
We believe housing is a human right, and all levels of government in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and the State of Wisconsin need to do everything in their power to support addressing our crisis through a multifaceted approach, policy, resources, and government committees that are directed by the needs, and conditions of the people.
Movement 4 Black Lives: The Justice in Policing Act (JPA) [February 2023]
The Justice in Policing Act (JPA) does not go nearly far enough to address police violence that kills Black people almost daily. We are beyond plans that refuse to address the root causes of police violence. We deserve better; we demand better. While the Justice in Policing Act is on the verge of being reintroduced in Congress, we know we must define safety for ourselves.
We believe policing was always meant to protect white bodies and white property while suppressing and terrorizing Black and Indigenous people. No matter who wears the uniform, this will always be its mission. Freedom for our people means freedom from policing!
We joined countless organizations nationwide to join the M4BL in a social media campaign to get the word out about the JPA, which jeopardizes our communities in Metcalfe Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and this country.
We received 23 engagements on these social media posts which increased awareness for our neighbors.
Canva Training (March 2023)
This year, we hosted a training on how to use Canva open to the Community of Milwaukee. During this training, we introduced the technological tools of graphic design using the platform Canva.
We had around 30 people come to this training to learn and grow within the technological world to produce content for social media, businesses, and personal use.
Protect SOP 575 Press Conference May 1st 2023: We supported their efforts by attending, while they led this initiative.
There was a press conference regarding passing the Standard Operating Procedure 575 (SOP 575)- Video Release Policy with the Fire and Police Commission after the Milwaukee Police Association began a lawsuit to invalidate the SOP.
Community members of Milwaukee came and shared stories of friends and family affected by police brutality. The demands included upholding the SOP 575 and Transparency and Accountability of the Police Commission.
Metcalfe Park Arts & Health Initiative (2023)
We have partnered with Milwaukee College of Medicine, 811 Development, and Artists Working in Education to create programming around creating and sustaining joy for our neighbors.
In April, we had two events: a Black Joy Cypher, including a Catered brunch, DJ4000, Paint and Sip, Poetry Readings, and Artists creating on Site. We also had a solo Paint and Sip, which included food, DJ4000, and Painting Kits sent home with each person. For both events, we had a Describe Your Joy film booth to see what brings our neighbors joy, as well as a photo booth.
In May, we hosted a Mom's of Metcalfe Event at our Mutual Aid shed, a Paint and Sip with DJ2Krazy; we honored our mothers with a framed certificate celebrating love and joy. We also have our annual Bloom and Groom, which sells plants at a discounted price. We also have pots to paint with community members so they could take home their beautiful creations. As well as free food from the Jewish Community Pantry, seeds from Groundwork MKE and diapers from Milwaukee Diaper Mission.
On June 6th we held another collaborative event at the Jewish Community Pantry. The pantry was open to all to get free groceries, Groundwork MKE had an informational booth and gave away more seeds, Milwaukee Diaper Mission provided free diapers, Hunger Task Force provided information about vitamins and gave out free Vitamin D, as well as DJ4000 playing and free hot BBQ. It was a success.
We plan to create a paid youth opportunity for young people to have a voice in what programing we create and how to do it.
Ground Work Milwaukee: Bed Build and Health and Climate Justice Collective (2023)
Bed Builds: Groundworks Milwaukee provides and installs garden beds for over 40 residents in Metcalfe Park. They put them in through the end of May so residents can now grow their plants.
They are providing a paid opportunity to be a part of a Health and Climate Justice Collective, a group of residents that will participate in identifying current climate issues affecting the neighborhood and trying to create novel solutions.