Racine Sun

Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin is expanding to Milwaukee to provide tiny homes and other services to veterans.

The Milwaukee expansion will include 42 homes, a community center and a complimentary food market for the veterans, according to the Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin. 

Services will also include subjects from veteran peer support groups, wellness activities and financial literacy, according to the Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin.

Veteran Glen Miller is one veteran who is benefiting from the nonprofit's generosity. After going into the Navy right out of high school and serving for eight years, Miller told TMJ4 that he hit a low two years ago when living on the streets in Kenosha.

"It was a big struggle, in and out of jobs because of drinking and drugs and losing friends," Miller said, according to TMJ4.

Miller told TMJ4 that Veterans Outreach of America has also helped him with finding a job in the manufacturing industry.

Veterans Outreach of America started in 2013 and by 2017 had a village of 15 tiny homes along with some services, according to the Veterans Outreach Of Wisconsin.

"Building tiny homes is simply the foundation of the program," the Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin website states. "Once a resident no longer has to worry about their immediate needs, they can start building for the future. Veteran residents will have the support to hope, plan and dream for the next chapter of their lives. In addition, our program services such as financial literacy, veteran peer support groups, weekly wellness activities (meditation, yoga, field trips), job facilitation and service hours help our residents engage them with the broader community. Finally, program participants will have the stability to know their foundation is more than just one paycheck away from a return to homelessness."

Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin says the services they provide are free to veterans and wouldn't be possible without community support.