Courage MKE C2 apartments burglarized; up to $100,000 worth in damages and stolen property

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Courage MKE, an organization dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, said their new apartments were broken into either last night or over the weekend.

The organization's executive director Brad Schlaikowski spoke to CBS 58 hours after seeing the extraordinary damage to the C2 apartments he found this morning. Coffee stains and food littered the floors.

"I'm gutted right now because the community works so hard to take care of these kids," said Schlaikowski.

Courage MKE bought the building recently with plants to turn it into a house for members of the LGBTQ community facing homelessness and those who have aged out of the social welfare system.

He said Milwaukee police left a note at their door that they were called by a neighbor saying they noticed the broken window.

In addition to the damage, Schlaikowski said whoever broke in also stole copper pipes. In all, repairing and replacing could cost the organization between $50,000-$100,000.

He said he remains motivated by the support the organization is receiving.

"If we know one thing it's that this community is resilient and we'll still make sure these kids get taken care of sooner rather than later," said Schlaikowski.

To help, Courage MKE's website is here.