About The Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center

Our Team

Deborah Heffner, Director
Deborah Heffner is the Strategic Partnership Director at Community Advocates, bringing extensive experience and a deep commitment to community well-being. Since the inception of the Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center (RHRC) in 2020, Deborah has played a pivotal role in its development. In her current role, she will oversee daily operations for the Triage Team and partnership. Deb has over 20 years of experience in coalition-building and community mobilization around prevention efforts in Wisconsin. In 2017, Deb co-developed the Community Advocates Public Policy Institutes’ Healthy Housing Initiative, designed to influence policy to increase housing affordability, quality, and stability. Deb has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education Policy and Community Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Ericka Crowley, RHRC Triage Coordinator
Ericka has been a dedicated member of the RHRC team since 2020, but her journey in social service work spans over 15+ years. With a rich background in working with organizations committed to combating poverty, her experience is invaluable. Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in community engagement and education from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Ericka’s passion for empowering others radiates through her work. She brings an extensive array of skills to RHRC, enhancing the support and services provided to our clients.

Pam Groce, RHRC Intake Specialist & Landlord Liaison
Pam has been a member of the Rental Housing Resource Center since May of 2022. With a background in customer advocacy and support, Pam brings a vast set of skills to the RHRC team. As an Intake Specialist and Landlord Liaison with RHRC, Pam utilizes an empathic, goal-oriented approach to find supportive solutions for all involved in rental housing challenges. With a focus on supporting individuals, families, and the community at large, Pam works to provide a thoughtful and holistic  approach when addressing clients’ housing needs.

Aisha Ware, Paralegal
Aisha joined the Rental Housing Resource Center Triage Team as a Paralegal in 2021. In the role, Aisha provides legal counsel to tenants seeking to stabilize their housing situations. Prior to joining the RHRC, Aisha served as the Legal Assistant to the Civil Division of the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee for five years. Aisha brings over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector in Milwaukee, Seattle and New York. Aisha graduated from Auburn University in 2020 with a BA in Marketing and Public Relations. As the Paralegal, Aisha provides a legal perspective to rental housing solutions and when needed, connects tenants to eviction defense.

RHRC Advisory Group

The Advisory Group provides guidance and support to the Co-Partners, serves as a connection to the broader community on rental housing issues and eviction prevention, and works together to ensure the long-term sustainability of the RHRC.

It is a diverse group that represents various constituencies including tenants, landlords, legal and mediation services, housing providers, homeless prevention, local government, social services, basic needs, health care, philanthropy, and policymakers.