Redeemer Lutheran Church

Ministries Expanding to Enhance Services or Serve More People

Located on the edge of Marquette University campus and rooted in a neighborhood marked by both poverty and promise, Redeemer Lutheran Church is diverse in age, race, socioeconomics, religious background, and education. Six years into a capital campaign to renovate its space, Redeemer celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony in 2023 to bring the church building and its 106-year sanctuary, designed in a Gothic Revival style, back to its former glory. When congregants throw open the doors after the renovation, they will see a new kitchen on the upper level. This kitchen will support the Noon Run meal, which feeds up to 50 people each Sunday, and the food pantry, which serves up to 100 families weekly.

The renovated space will host other mission partners and a new nonprofit organization, Olga Neighborhood Wellness Services, which will provide immediate mental wellness and substance use services. Olga brings together other Siebert grantee partners, including the Bread of Healing Clinic and Serenity Inns Inc. This investment in the Near West Side neighborhood, where Siebert is also located, ensures Redeemer's future connection to the community over the next few decades.

Primary Focus Area: Renovation for expanded community outreach

Lutheran Affiliation: ELCA

Location: 1905 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233

Website: https://www.redeemermilwaukee.org 

Funding will support: On May 8, 2024, Redeemer broke ground on the "Love Your Neighbor" renovation of the west wing of Redeemer's building to create physical spaces aimed at restoring health and dignity through various ministries. These include Olga, the new mental health clinic. Other services include social worker support services, substance use disorder treatment, private showers, and laundry facilities for unhoused neighbors. Additionally, expanded food ministries will benefit from a new commercial kitchen, providing hot meals three days a week to those in need. Plans also include establishing a Neighborhood Chorus, and space for worship, community, and creativity. This project emphasizes loving our neighbor by nurturing mind, body, and spirit.