MILWAUKEE — For the past nine years, Courage MKE has been serving as a safe haven for homeless LGBTQ+ teenagers.
Brad Schlaikowski started the organization with his husband after years of being foster parents to children and young adults.
“All of them had similar stories of torment or rejection, and struggles being in group homes and foster homes because of who they were and who they loved,” said Schlaikowski.
They now operate two licensed group homes on Milwaukee’s south side (Courage House and C2 Apartments) for LGBTQ+ youth, teens and young adults who are homeless or aged out of foster care. They often take in referrals from social welfare systems. While living in a shared space with staff, the young people attend school, participate in volunteer projects, receive counseling and trauma-informed care.
“It gives them a place to be their authentic self and not worry about any of their housemates teasing or harassing or bullying them,” said Schlaikowski. “Right now, we have a resident who’s been at Courage House for more than two years. It marks the first time in her life she has lived in the same house for two years in a row since she was born. That’s why we do this, right? She’s never lived somewhere for two years and she’s turning 18.”
Brenna Creamer, housing manager for Courage MKE, said she is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and experienced housing insecurity while growing up.
“Sometimes those are really hard life lessons that you just have to butt your head against the wall and learn on your own. And I think that because that was the way I learned, it’s helped shift and shape my support for them,” said Creamer.
The team at Courage MKE also put together and handed out “courage kits” throughout the city for people in need. They are filled with a variety of supplies and toiletries for anyone who doesn’t have a permanent place to live. Many of the courage kits serve Milwaukee Public School students in need.
Schlaikowski said the goal is to help as many LGBTQ+ young people in as many ways as possible.
“It’s our job to let them be seen,” he said.
Courage MKE relies on community donations. For more on the organization, visit their website, here.