On July 18, Leah Bates hosted 3.6 for 36: Birthday Miles, a birthday run/walk that brought together friends, family, neighbors, and community members in support of the Milwaukee Women’s Center. The event combined two things she loves—fitness and bringing people together—with a cause that felt deeply worth celebrating.

Community Advocates’ Aging with Stability initiative aims to meet a growing need in our community—but it’s deeply personal, too. Like many human services providers, we’ve seen a troubling increase in the number of older adults experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in Milwaukee County. Instead of enjoying their senior years with peace and dignity, more elders are living in encampments or cars, experiencing street homelessness, or struggling to keep up with housing costs amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.