MILWAUKEE – Wisconsin began closing another park-and-ride in Milwaukee County. A week ago, the parking lot on Holt Avenue was closed. Now, it’s happening at College Avenue locations.

Ric and his dog, Sasha, have called the College Avenue park-and-ride log home for months.

“They came today with another letter saying the third. So that gives us more time. Instead of spending money on a hotel, I can use money to fix my vehicle,” said Ric.

Ric told FOX6 News he is a veteran. He works overnight and can stay at the hotel. But they wouldn’t have enough money to try to find their own place – if they could find one.

“I could drop $25 on an application fee and be rejected. Do this several times; it’s a waste of money,” said Ric.

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In early October, the state began closing parking lots — citing a 42 percent increase in police calls from 2023. Even though Milwaukee County helped people find stable housing, more people continued to show up.

“Unfortunately, what we haven’t seen is additional resources being added,” said Eva Welch, co-founder and executive director of Street Angels.

Homelessness advocacy group Street Angels said it was coming down to housing.

“In terms of solutions, obviously more space for shelters and more affordable housing. Until these solutions are available, Street Angels will be out in the community making sure people have only what they need to survive outside,” said Welch.

County officials say its outreach teams will try to get people into housing because the parks department had to close a road in Wilson Park and evacuate campers and vehicles over the weekend.

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“I wonder, the powers that be decided to drive us out of here. The shelters are full. Where people are expected to do. Have they thought this through?
Ric asked.

Ric can only control one thing at a time.

The College Avenue Southwest park-and-ride lot will remain partially open to serve transit riders. In the northeast lot, once people leave, they can only come back to get more stuff.