While the halls of Old Main have rung hollow for more than 30 years, they are now weeks away from filling with life.
The former Milwaukee Soldiers Home (pictured above) and other nearby buildings are being transformed into housing for homeless Veterans. An effort to find Veterans to live there is underway.
“This is a great opportunity to build a community for Veterans and provide easy access to medical and mental health care,” said Amy Mauel, assistant program manager for homeless prevention programs at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. “It’s very exciting.”
One of the duplexes which will also be housing for Veterans at risk of becoming homeless. (Photo courtesy of Alexander Co.)
On March 1, Veterans will move into the buildings that have been under renovation since fall 2019. From then on, Old Main, the Administration Building, and nearby houses will be akin to a modern apartment community with a variety of residences and a myriad of amenities:
- 101 housing units, ranging from single-room occupancies with shared living spaces and kitchens to one- and two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom duplexes and one four-bedroom house.
- Fitness room, business center and various lounge areas.
- A separate wing for female Veterans.
- Complimentary internet and basic cable television.
- On-site support services, ranging from counseling, sobriety maintenance and mental health care to recreational activities and employment assistance.
Targeted to homeless or at-risk-of-becoming-homeless Veterans
Mauel, her staff and VA partners have been working to connect with Veterans eligible to live in the new complex. It specifically targets Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
“All Veterans living in the Soldiers Home have to come through the HUD-VASH program,” Mauel said. “HUD-VASH is the front door for Veterans looking to secure housing.”
HUD-VASH – Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing – specifically helps Veterans secure permanent housing.
“It’s a clinical treatment program with housing as a benefit. Veterans in the program receive supportive services from a social worker or registered nurse.
The center tower of Old Main offers a spectacular view. (Photo courtesy of Alexander Co.)
“We’re here to help any Veterans at risk for homelessness if they want to live in the Soldiers Home or the community,” Mauel said.
Veterans who qualify to live in the Soldiers Home will pay about 30% of their income in rent. The rents are set by the Housing Authority and are variable based on the type of unit.
Soldiers Home not a domiciliary or transitional housing
“This is permanent, supportive housing. A multidisciplinary team of HUD-VASH staff members will be available to provide supportive services, based on Veteran need,” Mauel added.
A doctor, nurse or social worker can help Veterans with the HUD-VASH connection. Or they can call the National Homeless Hotline at 877-424-3838.
Thirty Veterans have started application process
So far, more than 30 Veterans have initiated the application process through the property management company.
“As we get closer to opening the facility, I think we’ll have even more interest,” Mauel said. “We’re trying to spread the word to Veterans who are interested in taking advantage of this incredible opportunity.”
Dustin Koonce, real estate portfolio manager in the VA Office of Asset Enterprise Management, agreed.
“I feel good about this project,” he said. “Once the doors open, you’ll hear a lot more from Veterans. We’re really excited about this program.”
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This is a great idea and I hope it happens nationwide! I talked with my husband several years ago about this, wishing the military would make a greater effort toward helping house homeless vets and offer services for mental health, rehab, jobs training and medical care on local bases all around the country. Maybe then the local government could more easily help the non veterans. This is a wonderful first step toward helping house our homeless vets. Robert J Velasco: please don’t stop trying to get better help than you’ve been given so far. You served your country, now your country needs to serve you. Please be encouraged by this news and keep trying. Stay well. I hope things get better in your life.
I live in Tucson, Arizona and frequent the VA called SAVAHCS. I have been in and out of homelessness for over twenty years and have appreciated the help I used to get at our homeless office of the veterans administration. But 2 years ago I was banned because the receptionist deemed me unworthy because I was staying in a storage room at a family members home. She claims that is considered a home if there is a roof. And for over a year I had no air conditioning, no hot water and ate whatever I could muster regardless of fat content or healthy eating. I consider myself at risk because at any moment a quarrel could break out and I would be out on the streets again. I don’t drink alcohol or do drugs but I do smoke tobacco. I cant afford new clothes so not being able to attend the clothing closet at the homeless office is really hurting my self esteem because my clothes are old and tattered. With a rating of 20 percent disability I’m so screwed that its extremely depressing and I often wonder if it would be better to check out of life. A civilian working in the veterans administration has pulled a power play and eaten my lunch. Disgusted in Tucson.
Start going to the Emergency Room (VA & Local Hospitals) for EVERYTHING; $40,000 a month ER charges will get you some attention real quick. JUST DO IT!