United Community Center Milwaukee: Visitor Guide

Milwaukee, Wisconsin · Community Services · Visitor Guide

Find the Right UCC Program, Location & Contact

United Community Center (UCC), also known as Centro de la Comunidad Unida, has supported Milwaukee’s south-side community since 1970. It provides education, youth development, senior services, adult day care, substance-use treatment, homebuyer assistance, cultural arts and other family services. Its main campus is at 1028 South 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204.

Main office1028 S. 9th St.Milwaukee, WI 53204
Main telephone414-384-3100General information
Senior programAge 60+Milwaukee County residents
LanguagesEnglish & SpanishAvailable in many programs

Reviewed October 22, 2026. Service eligibility, individual office schedules and appointment requirements depend on the selected UCC program.

Which United Community Center Service Do You Need?

Senior Center

Meals, recreation, social activities, transportation and health education for eligible Milwaukee County residents age 60+.

Adult Day Center

Supervised daytime activities, meals, personal-care support and caregiver-related services for eligible adults.

Education & Schools

Early childhood education, community schools, youth development and college-readiness assistance.

Homebuyer Counseling

Homeownership education, counseling and help understanding available down-payment assistance programs.

Human Services

Substance-use assessments, outpatient services, day treatment and qualifying residential programs.

Arts & Culture

Latino Arts gallery, music performances, cultural exhibitions, public events and Café el Sol dining.

Important: UCC is not a general-admission community gym. Most programs are service-based, appointment-based, enrollment-based or event-specific. There is no universal admission ticket or common opening schedule for every part of the organization.

Addresses, Hours & Department Phone Numbers

United Community Center operates several facilities across Milwaukee. Use the exact department address instead of assuming every appointment is at the main entrance.

DepartmentLocation / PhoneHours or Access
Main UCC Entrance1028 S. 9th St.
414-384-3100
Confirm department hours before arriving.
Senior Center730 W. Washington St.
414-384-3100 ext. 4734
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Adult Day Center1028 S. 9th St., second floor; use 8th Street entrance.
414-389-5112
Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Human Services1111 S. 6th St.
414-643-8530
Contact for assessment appointment and treatment details.
Bruce-Guadalupe Community School1028 S. 9th St.
414-643-6441
School calendar and visitor procedures apply.
Bruce-Guadalupe Middle School920 S. 9th St.
414-649-2820
School-specific hours.
UCC Acosta Middle School1038 S. 6th St.
414-647-2518
School-specific hours.
Café el Sol1028 S. 9th St.
414-649-2801
Mon–Wed 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Thu–Fri 7:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; weekends closed.

Additional early learning sites operate on Washington Street, South 39th Street and West Becher Street. Call the specific school before visiting for enrollment or tours.

UCC Senior Center: Free Programs for Adults 60+

The United Community Center Senior Center serves Milwaukee County residents aged 60 and older. It provides community activities, meals, opportunities to socialize, transportation and bilingual programming.

Program cost

Participation is free. UCC accepts a suggested $3 donation for lunch; this is a donation rather than a mandatory admission charge.

Senior Center hours

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., at 730 W. Washington Street, Milwaukee.

Activities

Music, arts and crafts, exercise, discussion groups, outings, table games, computer access and special events.

Daily assistance

Nutritious noon meals, snacks, health education, social-service referrals, podiatry referrals and transportation.

How to Join the Senior Center

  1. Confirm that you are a Milwaukee County resident aged 60 or older.
  2. Call 414-384-3100, extension 4734, for program participation and transportation details.
  3. Ask what basic registration information is needed and whether transportation is available for your address.
  4. Confirm the daily meal schedule and activities before your first visit.
  5. Go to 730 W. Washington Street, not automatically the main 9th Street entrance.

Ask for bilingual help if Spanish is preferred. Availability of rides and specific activities should be confirmed directly with the program staff.

Adult Day Center: Care, Meals & Daily Activities

The UCC Adult Day Center supports adults with physical or cognitive impairments, including dementia-related needs, while offering caregivers additional support. Activities are supervised and adapted to participants.

Hours & Entrance

Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. The center is on the second floor at 1028 S. 9th Street. Use the 8th Street entrance.

Support Services

Transportation, meals, personal care, medication support, therapeutic activities, nursing-related assistance and health education.

Daily Engagement

Exercise, music, dance, arts, games, social activities, group discussions and occasional outings.

Contact

Call 414-389-5112 to ask about eligibility, assessment, funding, fees and a suitable enrollment plan.

Before starting services: ask about eligibility assessment, care needs, transportation boundaries, payer acceptance and any medical documentation needed. The Adult Day Center is not the same service as the free Senior Center.

Education, Childcare & Youth Development

UCC provides educational programs from early childhood through college preparation, with separate enrollment procedures for each age group.

ProgramWho It ServesWhat to Know
UCC Early Learning AcademyYoung children, including infants starting at six weeksAsk about age eligibility, site availability, childcare hours and enrollment paperwork.
Bruce-Guadalupe Community SchoolK4 through eighth gradePublic charter education; enrollment and school-specific rules apply.
UCC Acosta Middle SchoolSixth through eighth gradeContact the school for admissions and campus visits.
After-School AchievementEligible enrolled youthAcademic enrichment, supervision and scheduled programming.
Pre-College ProgramsMiddle school and high school studentsCollege applications, test preparation, financial aid and advising.
UCC College NetworkEligible college studentsRetention, professional development and graduation-support activities.

The youth and pre-college program also advertises ACT preparation, mentoring, college visits and volunteer opportunities for students in grades 8–12. Some activities are seasonal or require enrollment.

Enrollment Checklist

  1. Identify the child’s age, school grade and required program.
  2. Contact the school or program office rather than using the general main-office hours as the schedule.
  3. Ask about openings, admission requirements, tuition or assistance where applicable.
  4. Prepare the documents the program requests, such as proof of age, household details or educational records.
  5. Submit enrollment using the specific program’s official instructions.

First-Time Homebuyer Counseling in Milwaukee

UCC offers first-time homebuyer education and HUD-certified housing counseling to help households understand financing, available assistance and the process of purchasing a home.

How the Homebuyer Program Works

  1. Attend both sessions of the UCC First Time Homebuyer Seminar. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish at selected locations.
  2. Contact the homebuyer team at 414-384-3100, extension 4729, to schedule counseling after completing both sessions.
  3. Prepare documents requested by the counselor, including financial, employment and household information.
  4. Meet with a HUD-certified housing counselor and review affordability and mortgage readiness.
  5. Complete follow-up requirements and determine eligibility for available grants or other programs.
Milwaukee down-payment assistance: A City of Milwaukee program described by UCC offers potentially forgivable grants of up to $5,000, or $7,000 in qualifying designated areas. Income, existing city residency, first-time buyer status, counseling and other restrictions apply. Funding and guidelines can change, so do not treat these amounts as guaranteed assistance.

Substance-Use Treatment & Human Services

UCC operates bilingual English/Spanish substance-use treatment services, including intake assessments, outpatient counseling, day treatment and residential programs. Treatment suitability and payment options depend on individual assessment and program eligibility.

Human Services Contact

414-643-8530
1111 S. 6th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204.

Services

Individual and group counseling, recovery planning, referral coordination, education and qualifying residential support.

Getting an Intake Assessment

  1. Call 414-643-8530 to request an intake appointment.
  2. Ask about language preference, eligibility, appointment timing and available treatment options.
  3. Bring your insurance or Medicaid/BadgerCare card if you have one.
  4. Allow approximately two hours for the first intake meeting, according to UCC’s guidance.
  5. Discuss treatment needs and funding with intake staff; an assessment does not automatically guarantee admission to a particular program.
Appointment required: UCC’s current intake guidance says visitors must schedule an assessment in advance because of high demand. Qualified patients may have access to no-fee services; others may use income-based fees or accepted insurance. This program is not an emergency department.

Latino Arts: Gallery, Heritage & Events

Latino Arts operates cultural facilities inside the main United Community Center campus at 1028 S. 9th Street. Visitors can explore exhibitions celebrating Hispanic heritage, performances and educational events.

Gallery Hours

Monday–Friday, 10:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m., according to the published Latino Arts visitor guide.

Gallery Admission

A suggested donation of $1. Special performances and events may have separate ticket fees.

What to See

Rotating gallery exhibits, Hispanic Heritage Center displays, murals and cultural art throughout the campus.

Group Visits

Advance arrangements are required for group tours. Contact Latino Arts to discuss group size, accessibility and tour availability.

The Latino Arts auditorium, art gallery, seating areas, entrances and restrooms are described as accessible. The Hispanic Heritage Center includes a permanent multimedia exhibition focused on Milwaukee’s Latino community.

Planning a Cultural Visit

  1. Check the current gallery exhibition or scheduled performance.
  2. Choose a weekday during published gallery opening hours.
  3. Confirm whether the activity is free, donation-based or ticketed.
  4. Contact Latino Arts before bringing a school or large group.
  5. Arrive at the main UCC campus and follow signs to the gallery or auditorium.

Café el Sol: Restaurant Hours & Reservations

Café el Sol serves Mexican and Puerto Rican dishes within the main United Community Center building. It is also used for meetings, catered events and community gatherings.

DayPublished Dining Hours
Monday–Wednesday7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Thursday–Friday7:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Saturday–SundayClosed

Friday evenings: Café el Sol advertises a traditional Latin-inspired fish dinner buffet and live music from about 6:30–8:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended, and the menu, buffet price or performance schedule may change.

Reservations: Call 414-649-2801. For meetings or catering, ask about room size, menu selection, food minimums, staffing fees and available setup arrangements before committing.

Volunteer at United Community Center

UCC provides volunteering opportunities with schools, youth activities, senior programs, wellness programs and community projects. Positions vary by season and can involve one-time, recurring or group commitments.

Volunteer Application Process

  1. Choose a current opportunity that fits your skills, availability and preferred schedule.
  2. Contact the volunteer coordinator at 414-389-4735 or krosado@unitedcc.org.
  3. Complete the official volunteer application.
  4. Adults 18 and older must complete the required background-check and volunteer agreement forms.
  5. Submit the required forms. UCC states that volunteers are not charged for the background check.
  6. Allow approximately 7–10 business days after a complete application for the coordinator to provide next steps.

Fall 2026 opportunities have included classroom assistance, sports coaching, senior companions, school supply drives and other community activities. Requirements can differ by placement; some senior companion opportunities require Spanish-language skills.

Directions, Parking & Neighborhood Access

The main United Community Center is on Milwaukee’s near south side, adjacent to Walker Square Park and a few blocks from National Avenue. It is accessible from the I-94 corridor via nearby local streets.

Parking Guidance

  • Street parking may be available on 9th, 10th, Washington and Walker Streets around Walker Square Park.
  • Read posted time limits, permit restrictions and street-cleaning signs before leaving your vehicle.
  • The UCC main campus warns about street cleaning on the second and fourth Tuesdays, April–November.
  • Latino Arts also publishes street-cleaning warnings extending into December for certain surrounding streets. Follow current on-street signs over any general seasonal description.
  • Visitors to the Adult Day Center should use the separate 8th Street entrance.
  • Senior Center visitors should navigate directly to 730 W. Washington Street.
Local visitor tip: Do not rely only on “United Community Center Milwaukee” in your map search. Enter your department’s exact street address because UCC schools, senior services and human services have different entrances or buildings.

First-Time Visitor Checklist

Visiting the main office?

Save 1028 S. 9th Street and call 414-384-3100. Ask which office, entrance and appointment process apply.

Visiting senior services?

Confirm eligibility, registration details, meal arrangements and transportation availability before traveling to Washington Street.

Visiting a school?

Contact the individual school for enrollment, building security, school hours and visitor check-in instructions.

Attending arts or dining?

Confirm the current gallery exhibition, performance ticket, restaurant reservation or group-tour appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is United Community Center in Milwaukee?

The main UCC entrance is at 1028 South 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204, near Walker Square Park. The main phone number is 414-384-3100.

2. What are United Community Center Milwaukee’s opening hours?

There is no single verified schedule for every UCC program. The Senior Center operates Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; the Adult Day Center operates Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; Café el Sol has different dining hours. Contact the relevant department.

3. Is United Community Center free to visit?

Charges depend on the service. The Senior Center is free for qualifying Milwaukee County residents age 60+, with a suggested $3 lunch donation. Latino Arts gallery admission has a suggested $1 donation. School, dining, event and other program fees may differ.

4. Who qualifies for UCC Senior Center programs?

The Senior Center serves Milwaukee County residents age 60 or older. Call 414-384-3100 extension 4734 for registration, meals, transportation and activity details.

5. Does UCC have adult day care services?

Yes. The Adult Day Center provides supervised daytime activities, meals, support services and transportation for eligible adults. It operates Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. at the main campus, using the 8th Street entrance.

6. Does United Community Center offer childcare and schools?

Yes. UCC operates early learning programs and affiliated public charter schools, including Bruce-Guadalupe Community School and UCC Acosta Middle School. Enrollment requirements vary by school and age.

7. Can I receive homebuyer assistance through UCC?

UCC offers homebuyer seminars and HUD-certified counseling. Applicants typically complete both seminar sessions before scheduling counseling and reviewing eligibility for available assistance.

8. Does UCC provide services in Spanish?

Yes. Many United Community Center programs, including senior services, adult day services, treatment programs and homebuyer education, offer English and Spanish support. Confirm language availability for your specific appointment.

9. Is Latino Arts open to visitors?

Yes. Latino Arts publishes gallery hours of Monday–Friday 10:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. and suggests a $1 donation. Special performances may require tickets, while organized group tours require advance arrangements.

10. How do I volunteer at United Community Center?

Review current volunteer openings, contact the coordinator at 414-389-4735, complete the application and submit any required agreements or background-check forms. Adult volunteers must complete the background-check process before their application is considered complete.

Official Resources & Program Contacts

For applications, updated schedules and final bookings, use the appropriate official UCC resources:

This is an independent visitor guide, not an official United Community Center publication. Program enrollment, office schedules, funding, staff contacts and event availability may change.