http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/homeless-winter-s445.jpgWithout intervention, the VHRP’s closure will leave a critical gap in support services for Wisconsin’s homeless veterans.

EAU CLAIRE — Wisconsin lawmakers introduced legislation to call attention to the urgent need to fund the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP), following the Joint Finance Committee’s failure to include the program in the state’s recently passed budget.

Without swift legislative action, VHRP facilities in Chippewa Falls and Green Bay are slated to close by September 30, 2025, displacing dozens of veterans experiencing homelessness and other at-risk veterans.

The VHRP provides critical temporary housing, job training and support services to military veterans experiencing homelessness. The program helps veterans secure permanent housing, increase their income and skills, and rebuild self-sufficiency to successfully reintegrate into our communities.

“Republicans withheld critical funds for over a year while our region struggled with hospital closures. Now homeless veterans are the victims of the Republicans’ callous inaction,” said Sen. Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick). “These men and women served our country. We have a moral obligation to ensure they have a roof over their heads.”

During the budget debate, Senate Democrats introduced Senate Amendment 10 to Senate Substitute Amendment 2 to fund the VHRP. Assembly Democrats followed suit with Assembly Amendment 17 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2. Both proposals sought to restore the additional $1.9 million in funding to keep the two VHRP facilities operational.

Despite these efforts, the final state budget includes no additional funding for the VHRP.

“These veterans have given so much in service to our country,” said Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire). “The Republicans have been playing politics with the Chippewa Valley for too long. We cannot let our veterans be the next casualty of their partisan political games. We cannot turn our backs on veterans and leave them out in the cold.”

Lawmakers are encouraging their colleagues to co-sponsor this emergency legislation to add additional funding to the program before the September 30 deadline. Without intervention, the VHRP’s closure will leave a critical gap in support services for Wisconsin’s homeless veterans.