Solving Homelessness One Step at a Time

On Monday morning, several of my colleagues and I traveled to Milwaukee for an in-depth tour of homeless facilities and to meet with people that help homeless individuals on a daily basis. The tour primarily focused on efforts to eliminate barriers to stable housing, otherwise referred to as “housing first” initiatives. Finding stable housing is the first step in the journey to independence. After the tour we held a roundtable discussion with volunteers and homeless advocates to learn about the challenges that many communities encounter when trying to eliminate homelessness.

Back in April, Assembly Republicans took the first step toward addressing homelessness in Wisconsin. Statistics suggest on any given day at least 20,000 people are homeless in Wisconsin. In the past, the Federal government provided funding and programs to help combat homelessness but those funds have dissipated over time.

The package of bills passed by the Assembly provide work opportunities for homeless individuals, streamline services available through state agencies, allow WHEDA to better assist chronically homeless individuals and lastly, the creation of an inter-agency council that will focus on efforts to end homelessness throughout the state.

We have a long way to go, but we are making great strides in our efforts to end homelessness in Wisconsin.

Have a great weekend!

South Milwaukee Heritage Days

The South Milwaukee Heritage Days are just around the corner. The weeklong schedule of events were recently announced beginning with the D.A.R.E. Golf Outing on Monday, July 24 and concluding with the Great Duck Race on Saturday, July 30, in addition to other activities scattered throughout the week. For the full list of events visit the South Milwaukee Heritage Days website.

And don’t forget to say hello if you’re at the parade next Saturday!