News Summary
Severe flooding in Milwaukee has damaged numerous schools and homes, affecting students and families. Maurice Wince of Sherman Park Grocery Store is providing support through food cards for students impacted. As the Milwaukee Public Schools address the damage, some institutions may face delays in reopening. Community efforts underscore resilience amid adversity.
Milwaukee has been hit hard by flooding, affecting numerous schools and families in the area. Maurice Wince, the owner of Sherman Park Grocery Store in Milwaukee’s north side, is facing flood damage to his store while also stepping up to support students impacted by the recent natural disaster. Wince’s grocery store experienced significant damage, with water reaching the basement and affecting some essential mechanical systems, complicating his business operations.
In the midst of his own challenges, Wince is focusing on helping students whose lives have been disrupted by flooding. He has collaborated with the Local 212 FAST Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support for students enrolled at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). The partnership is aimed at distributing food cards to students adversely affected by the flooding, enabling them to buy necessary groceries.
Some of the distributed food cards are specifically usable at the Sherman Park Grocery Store, allowing students to replace perishable food items lost in the flood. The FAST Fund is working diligently to provide assistance, with a limited supply of food cards available for MATC students impacted by the disaster. Those in need can reach out to the FAST Fund for support at (414) 522 4017.
One recipient of this support is Ericca Peet, a nursing student at MATC and mother of four. Her basement was flooded, damaging her children’s clothes and toys and leaving her feeling overwhelmed. Despite the daunting circumstances, Peet strives to prepare her children for the upcoming school year and is grateful for the assistance she has received from the FAST Fund, which has helped her previously.
Milwaukee’s education system has also faced challenges due to the flooding. The Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) district has confirmed that 24 schools sustained flooding damage, with Riverside University High School and the Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education being the most seriously affected. Though students are set to return to classes on September 2, many are faced with the added stress of lead and flood remediation issues.
MPS is working to ensure a safe environment for both students and staff, with efforts led by Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. The district has enlisted asbestos experts for the removal process in schools heavily impacted by flooding. Initial assessments have confirmed that several classrooms will undergo relocations due to damages. Principal Jeff Lasky of Riverside University High School reported that approximately 10 classrooms would need to be moved due to the flooding. These circumstances have raised concerns about potential delays in classroom availability and other school operations when students return.
Meanwhile, Journeys Lutheran School, a private institution located in Hales Corners, is also confronting its own issues related to flood damage. The school anticipates a delayed start—potentially three weeks late due to extensive flooding that filled lower levels with sewage and rainwater. The estimated cleanup costs are around $100,000, and total damages may exceed $1 million. The flood has inflicted considerable destruction to classrooms, furniture, supplies, and HVAC systems. As the school is reported to lack flood insurance, it is actively seeking donations to support recovery efforts.
As the community grapples with the fallout from the flooding, efforts from local businesses like Sherman Park Grocery Store underscore the resilience and care present among Milwaukee residents. While the impact of the recent flooding continues to unfold, those affected are receiving support and assistance from both nonprofits and dedicated individuals committed to helping them navigate these challenging times.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Unites in Support of Students Affected by Flooding
Journeys Lutheran School in Hales Corners Delays Opening After Flood Damage
Savannah Leaders Discuss Hurricane Preparedness
Oneida High School Remains Closed Due to Severe Flooding
Additional Resources
- TMJ4 News
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Fox 6 Now
- Google Search: Flood Remediation
- Journal Sentinel
- Google Scholar: Flood Damage in Schools
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Floods Impact
- Hoodline
- Google News: MATC Students Flood Support
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
