A car crash early Friday morning caused significant damage to the Welfare Warriors nonprofit building in Milwaukee. The incident left a gaping hole in the structure, and the organization was unaware of the damage for over 12 hours until a passerby alerted them.
Key Takeaways
- A car crashed into the Welfare Warriors building, causing extensive damage.
- The organization was not informed of the incident until hours later.
- Welfare Warriors is launching a fundraiser to help with repairs and replace lost resources.
Incident Overview
The crash occurred around midnight when a driver reportedly lost control after leaving a concert at The Rave. The impact destroyed the wall and front door of the Welfare Warriors building, located at 27th and Michigan. The organization, which has been serving the community since 1995, focuses on assisting women and children in accessing essential services.
Community Response
Upon discovering the damage, Welfare Warriors founder Pat Gowens expressed frustration that no one had notified them about the crash. "For 12 hours, our building was completely open," he stated. Volunteers and community members quickly rallied to help with cleanup and repairs, showcasing the strong support for the nonprofit.
Damage Assessment
The crash left behind a scene of destruction:
- A large hole in the east side of the building
- Scattered cinderblocks, bricks, and cement debris near the entrance
- Wood panels and yellow police tape now cover the damaged areas
Fundraising Efforts
In response to the incident, Welfare Warriors has launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $150,000 for repairs and to replace lost resources. As of Saturday, they had raised $875, highlighting the urgent need for community support to restore their services.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, the organization remains committed to its mission. Volunteer Amanda Morales emphasized the importance of their work, stating, "What keeps us going is the mom, there’s still a need. And we’ll have to show up." The nonprofit plans to continue its operations and support for women and children in the community, even as they navigate the challenges posed by this incident.
Conclusion
The crash at Welfare Warriors serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the resilience of community organizations. As they work to recover from this unfortunate event, the support from the community will be crucial in helping them rebuild and continue their vital services.
Sources
- Milwaukee nonprofit says car crashed into their building and nobody told them, WISN.
- Car crashes into, destroys Welfare Warriors building in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
