GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – State officials went around Wisconsin Monday announcing a new initiative to help out homeless veterans.
“Working with local governments, community partners and veterans groups, we are on a mission to identify every veteran in Wisconsin who is facing the harsh reality of homelessness,” said Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. “Stable housing is foundational to success in every other area of life, and our heroes deserve the best chance at living the American dream that they’ve sacrificed so much to make possible for us all.”
The Welcome Home Veterans Initiative will utilize $5 million from low-income energy assistance crisis funds which were left over from last winter, which was milder than average including lower than expected energy costs.
The Department of Administration will use that money to assist homeless veterans with security deposits, first month’s rent and utility bills.
“By prioritizing Energy Assistance funds, the Welcome Home Veterans initiative is able to give back to those who have served our country and our state,” said Scott Nietzel, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration. “This assistance for homeless veterans could be the help they need to achieve long-term stability. Wisconsin is excited to be a part of this unique partnership working to end veteran homelessness in Wisconsin.”
This program takes a housing first approach to place veterans experiencing homelessness in permanent housing as quickly as possible. Once veterans are stabilized in permanent housing, partnering organizations are able to provide additional services as needed.
If you need assistance from the Welcome Home Veterans initiative, call the state’s toll free Energy Help hotline at 1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947) or contact your local county veterans’ service officer.
