Gov. Evers Slams Legislature for Failing to Approve Investments in Veterans Causing Housing Location Closures

MADISON, Wis. (GOV EVERS PRESS RELEASE) – Gov. Tony Evers Monday slammed the Wisconsin State Legislature for failing to approve his full biennial budget request to support Wisconsin’s veterans, which is now causing housing location closures in Chippewa Falls and Green Bay. Republican lawmakers who control the state’s budget committee, the Joint Committee on Finance, refused to approve the governor’s funding request, which included $1.9 million for the Veteran Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP). As the Legislature was deliberating the 2025-27 Biennial Budget, the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau noted for Republicans on the Joint Committee on Finance that, “without additional funding, the Department [of Veterans Affairs] would not have sufficient resources to maintain the program’s three sites.” Nevertheless, Republican lawmakers ultimately rejected Gov. Evers’ request, instead approving $0 in new funding for the program, which will now cause two of the three VHRP locations to close. VHRP, overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), provides housing and supportive services to military veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to help them obtain permanent housing.

“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. Our veterans should not have to worry about being able to afford to keep a roof over their heads. Period,” said Gov. Evers. “I want to personally thank the wonderful folks at Lutheran Social Services who staff these locations for their tireless work on behalf of the veterans who reside there. The bottom line is that there will now be fewer options for homeless veterans as a result of the Legislature’s irresponsible decision to reject the investments that I proposed. To our Wisconsin veterans, make no mistake—we will not stop fighting for you. When the Legislature comes back to work this fall, providing more support for our veterans must be a top priority. I will continue to urge Republican lawmakers to make the investments our veterans deserve that they should have approved in our state budget.”

The VHRP locations in Chippewa Falls and Green Bay will close by September 30 of this year, while the remaining location in Union Grove will remain open. July 14 is the last day applications are being reviewed at the Chippewa Falls and Green Bay locations. Applications will continue to be accepted for the Union Grove location.

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

“We have a duty to support veterans, especially in their darkest times,” said WDVA Secretary James Bond. “Even with these closures, we remain committed to assisting veterans and connecting them to resources. VHRP has been integral in helping veterans find stability and succeed in their communities, and along with our partners on the ground, we intend to still carry out that mission to the best of our ability.”

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.

Assistant Democratic Senate Leader Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick), released a statement following the press release issued by Gov. Evers announcing the closure of Klein Hall for homeless veterans in Chippewa Falls.

“The recent announcement to close the Klein Hall for homeless veterans in Chippewa Falls on September 30th is especially disheartening considering the efforts made by Senate Democrats to keep this facility open. As Governor Evers stated in his press release today, this closure is a direct result of the Joint Finance Committee rejecting the needed $1.9 million to operate this facility, especially in the face of federal cuts that just passed in Congress.

“I, along with my Democratic colleagues, proposed an amendment to the budget to fund it, but it failed with all but one Republican voting for the Amendment. It’s careless and callous to leave veterans out in the cold at a time when they need us the most.”

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