APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A renewed push in the Fox Valley to try to provide care for veterans of all ages, even at the end of their lives.
It’s part of the vision of a “Veterans Village.”
In Fox Valley communities, Katie Heim with the Appleton West Rotary Club tells FOX 11, people hold a lot of pride in their hearts for their veteran neighbors and when vets have a need locally, many try to help.
“I just don’t see how you can’t get involved when they’ve, basically, given their lives to help protect and serve.”
In the future a group of Grand Chute apartments that are currently part of the Outagamie County Housing Authority could become “Veteran’s Village” with housing for single veterans, families and specialized care for older vets.
“Assisted living and hospice and palliative end of life care,” explained Jim Strong, the Chair of the Fox Valley Veterans Council.
The council wants to renovate the existing buildings and add to the complex to offer housing and extended services.
The Grand Chute location is close to the John H. Bradley VA Clinic and Fox Valley Technical College.
According to Strong nothing this comprehensive exists in the state, but there is a need.
“So that they’re with people that understand who they are and where they’re coming from , shared experiences.”
Strong says veterans across the country struggle to find and afford housing. It’s no different locally, where the veterans population is higher than you might think.
“Within the Fox Cities and focusing on the Appleton area they’re 7.4% of the population.” Appleton West Rotary held a fundraising event Thursday evening to help jump start the project.
“We’re hoping to be around $15,000 for the event.”
Heim says “Veterans Village” is still in the very early planning stages. So there is no set cost or budget yet.
Even so, she has no doubt the community will help make it a reality.
“I’ve never seen a community that’s so dedicated, not just to veterans, but to people in need in general.”
The idea has been around for a while and no commitments have been made as to when work might begin on the “Veterans Village.”
