In 2011, the imminent closure of a local emergency shelter threatened the availability of around-the-clock support and space for families in immediate need. Milwaukee Women’s Center (MWC), a domestic violence organization that’s provided supportive services and emergency shelter since 1980, stepped in to save the safe haven. With a $625,000 loan from IFF, a CDFI dedicated solely to meeting the real-estate needs of nonprofits, MWC bought the building and made critical renovations. The IFF loan also enabled MWC to rehire the 15 employees who would have lost their jobs if MWC hadn’t acquired the space. Today, this MWC shelter is the largest in the state and offers supportive services to women and children whose lives have been affected by domestic violence.