Legislators introduce bill to save veteran housing program

GREEN BAY, Wis (WGBW) – Three northeast Wisconsin legislators have come together to introduce a bill to restore $1.9 million to the Veteran Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP).

The VHRP provides temporary housing, job training, and resources to veterans facing homelessness.

The VHRP operates three short-term housing facilities across the state, in Chippewa Falls, Green Bay, and Union Grove. 

While Governor Tony Evers added almost $2 million to his biennial budget proposal to keep funding all three sites, the Republicans in the Joint Finance Committee removed it. The JFC’s failure to fund the VHRP will force the centers in Chippewa Falls and in the Greater Green Bay Area to close.

“We make a promise to our veterans that when they return home to their civilian life, we will support and serve them just as they have supported and served us,” said Governor Evers. “Our veterans should not have to worry about being able to afford to keep a roof over their heads.”

Governor Evers also stated that the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau had warned that the facilities would close without additional funding.

NE Wisconsin responds

The bill introduced by Senator Jamie Wall (D-Green Bay), Representative Ryan Spaude (D-Ashwaubenon), and Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D-Green Bay) would restore that funding to the budget and save the locations in Chippewa Falls and Bellevue.

“I am proud to support homeless veterans here in Brown County with this bill,” said Wall. “It’s a shame that it’s necessary after Senate Republicans voted down my amendment to fund the program in the recent budget.”

Spaude said that in the Assembly, plenty of opportunities were offered to fund the VHRP to ensure that the essential services provided by the centers could continue. “Now we are seeing the direct consequences of inaction from our legislative majorities in Green Bay,” Spaude said.

Rivera-Wagner said veterans deserve better. 

“In the face of federal cuts that just passed in Congress, it’s disrespectful to leave those who have served our country out in the cold, at a time where they have the most need,” Rivera-Wagner said. 

The legislature will reconvene in session this fall. In the meantime, the Chippewa Falls and Bellevue locations of VHRP will close on September 30th. 

Veterans currently residing at the Chippewa Falls and Bellevue facilities will be offered alternative placement options and will continue to receive assistance through supportive services.

Resources for Veterans

If you or someone you know may be a veteran experiencing housing insecurity, there are resources available:

• 211 – 211 is a free and confidential service that connects you with thousands of local programs and services. Dial 2-1-1 on your phone to reach trained community resource specialists available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• 988+1 – Call 988 and press ‘1’ or text 838255 to get connected to the Veteran Crisis Line for 24/7/365 confidential crisis support. You will be connected to a real person qualified to support veterans.
• Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) – VORP is a WDVA program that connects veterans to community services and provide case management and support, with a special focus on treatment and recovery.
• S. Department of Veterans Affairs Resources – Call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) to access veteran homeless resources or visit VA.gov/homeless.