It started in 1991…

THE VOICE OF THE VOICELESS

In 1989, six concerned activists pooled $50 together to created the newspaper Repairers of the Breach, which was written by, for, and about Milwaukee’s homeless men and women.

After reaching a circulation of about 6 thousand, they realised they could do more. Repairers of the Breach was chartered in 1991 as a non-profit, and we have come a long way since our first location (complete with mismatched chairs and a coffee maker) opened at 27th and Wells.

We purchased 1335 W Vliet St in 1997, and we have since expanded to offer several programs besides our daytime shelter, such as our Breach Cafe, Employment Assistance Program, and our Free Medical Clinic. We average thousands of visits per month, and we do so without any government subsidies. This allows us to remain “low barrier,” so that all adults can utilise our services without providing identification or evidence of need.

We offer life-saving, life-sustaining, and life-restoring programs… tools that are life-changing.

Our Members (any adult with a need, usually homeless or at-risk), use these tools diligently and we are often gifted with not only success stories, not only mutual respect and pride, but also a partnership and dedication to our amazing community.

That’s right; many of our former Members volunteer at “the Breach,” helping others out of homelessness and showing them how to succeed.

For you see, Repairers of the Breach is not just a building on Vliet St. It’s the Members, staff, volunteers, donors, neighbors, you, and me. It’s all of us. And we thank you for being a Repairer of the Breach.

Seeking Board Members

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Seeking Board Members 〰️

Board of Directors

  • Since 2009, Rebecca has been a dedicated Board Member at Repairers of the Breach. As President, she works closely with the executive director, Pastor West, to ensure the center has what it needs.

  • A member since 2021, Michelle has been in integral part of the ROTB board, taking on projects like the organising the annual meeting and connecting the community with the organisation.

  • Mr. Podewils joined ROTB in 2022 because, “to whom much is given, much will be required”. This biblical principle from Luke 12:48 has been a guide for my life. God’s blessings are to be shared, not only financial, but also time and talent. Adherence to this principle lead me to move from financially supporting ROTB to becoming a board member.”

    His dedication has been in integral part of ROTB’s success.

  • Dr. Gray joined ROTB in 2025. A doctor of nursing, her medical knowledge plays an important role in ROTB’s free medical clinic.

  • Mr. Johnson joined ROTB in 2025. His personal mission is simple:

    “This is the work Jesus wants us to do.”

    An attorney by trade, he can help ensure ROTB is following all statutes accordingly.

“I can directly shape ROTB's future, guiding its mission and making significant contributions  to agency success and community impact for homeless citizens.

It allows me an opportunity to use expertise, engage in strategic planning,  and share governance experience while giving back to the homelessness causes the agency care about.”

-Michelle Crockett,

ROTB Board VP