MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin officials plan to spend $5 million to help homeless veterans find housing by covering security deposits, first month's rent and utility bills.
The Department of Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs plan to pull the money from low-income energy assistance funding. Those dollars are used to help the poor pay their energy bills, but a mild winter resulting in lower than average heating costs have left money in the account.
The two agencies plan to work through DVA's outreach program and county veterans service offices to identify potential applicants and determine their eligibility.
The agencies have dubbed the project the Welcome Home Veterans Initiative. For more information on assistance from the Welcome Home Veterans Initiative, call toll free hotline at 1-866-432-8947.
