Milwaukee Street Angels Bus Destroyed By Fire

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI —A bus used for providing resources to the homeless went up in flames on Thursday evening. Despite the hurdle, a nonprofit organization resolves to continue in its mission.

Street Angels Milwaukee Outreach is a nonprofit volunteer-based organization that reaches into the Milwaukee County area to restore hope by empowering individuals, inspiring others to pay it forward, and providing basic human necessities to those in need.

They offer basic necessities such as food, clothing, blankets, and hygiene items to many of the homeless population, Eva Welch, Co-Founder and Director said.

"Our short-term goal is to make sure our friends/clients have what they need to survive the night," Welch previously told Patch.

The work the Street Angels does is on the streets in two transport buses several times a week. Each bus has its own route to travel. The blue bus does the north side of Milwaukee, and the white bus would do the southern part.

On Thursday the transport buses erupted in flames in what Welch said is suspected arson.

Patch reached out to the Milwaukee Fire Department on Friday afternoon.

At 10:45 p.m. shortly after serving the Milwaukee community, the group received news both buses were on fire. The Street Angels are not going to speculate on why someone would set it on fire.

"We just want to focus on moving forward and making sure we are still getting out there," Welch told Patch.

The fire department arrived in a matter of minutes as the station is right across the street, but sadly there wasn't much they could do.

Welch said one bus was destroyed the other bus had some damage.

On Sunday they plan to be out in their own personal cars to provide materials and resources.

"We do have insurance on the bus, but it was very difficult for us to find that bus. We ended up purchasing it from Florida," she said.

Welch said the community has been amazing and donating. The mental and emotional support has been what the group needs right now.

"We need awareness that homelessness exists in our communities. Ask your elected officials what they are doing to combat homelessness," Welch said.

If anyone is interested in donating or volunteering, visit the Street Angel's website. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the Milwaukee Police Department.