Running Rebel's We Got This Community Garden

A nonprofit organization

$13,120 raised by 87 donors

100% complete

$10,000 Goal

Running Rebels Community Organization is seeking funding for the the construction of a Tiny Bathroom House equipped with electricity, a hand washing station, laundry machines, and a food washing station at our We Got This Community Garden on 9th and Ring. The We Got This Community Garden is in Milwaukee’s 53206 zip code, a neighborhood that is comprised of 94% American Americans and is known as one of Milwaukee’s most troubled zip codes. Running Rebels’ We Got This Program uses gardening and civic engagement to mentor area youth, while simultaneously increasing community safety and access to fresh produce in the 53206 food desert.  Each Saturday during the growing season an average of 80 young people and neighbors come to the We Got This Garden to build community while learning how to grow and prepare healthy food. Community members are encouraged to take produce and food boxes home to feed their families.

We Got This was founded by community member Andre Lee Ellis 10 years ago. When he moved to the neighborhood, it was considered one of Milwaukee’s most violent blocks. Andre created We Got This to unite residents, provide space for healing, and engage neighborhood boys. Running Rebels and We Got This have been partners since inception and together have seen the neighborhood become safer by connecting residents and providing boys/teens positive mentorship and skills. In 2021, We Got This formally merged with Running Rebels becoming a Running Rebels program.  Andre continues to lead We Got This as its program manager, but now has the full administrative, program, and developmental support of Running Rebels.  


Each Saturday, during the growing season, an average of 80 boys, neighbors, and volunteer mentors come to the We Got This Garden to build community while learning how to plant and prepare healthy food.  Youth participants then join their mentors on a neighborhood walk to engage with residents and clean-up the surrounding blocks. The boys are given $40 dollars for their 4 hours of work. Community members and youth are encouraged to take produce and food boxes home to feed their families


The Tiny Bathroom House will enhance program participants experience, increase garden accessibility, help us engage more marginalized populations, and host more community building events. The Tiny Bathroom House will add the following amenities to the garden plot on 9th and Ring:  

 

Electricity and Running Water: There is not currently running water or electricity at the garden. The only available water comes from the fire hydrant which is occasionally available to water the plants. Electricity will help us host more events and allow staff and participants to charge phones.  

Lighting: The introduction of electricity will allow us to run lights outdoors for night programming and events. Providing positive activities at night will increase neighborhood safety.  

Gender Neutral Bathrooms: There are not bathrooms currently on site at the garden. Participants instead use the facilities at a bar across the street.  

Food Washing Station: Participants will be able to wash and then enjoy produce directly from the garden.  

Laundry Machine: Community members in need will be able to wash their laundry in exchange for volunteering their time in the garden.  

Showers: Each bathroom will have a shower stall. The showers will be available to homeless community members who volunteer their time in the garden.  


Local and state officials including Alderwomen Milele Coggs and Senator Lena Taylor have given their support to the project as an innovative way to engage a wide spectrum of 53206 residents including youth, families, seniors, and the homeless. The WGT Community Building has been designed by students at Milwaukee’s School of Engineering under the guidance of their professor.  

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Running Rebel's We Got This Community Garden

Tax id (EIN)

39-3910464

Categories

Arts & Culture Children & Family Community

Address

1300A W FOND DU LAC AVE
MILWAUKEE, WI 53205