Center for Veterans Issues Inc

CVI is the largest community-based organization serving U.S. Veterans in Wisconsin. CVI, a 501 (c)(3) organization, was founded in 1989 to provide management and technical assistance to agencies serving Veterans, as well as direct service provisions for homeless veterans through housing and wraparound supportive services. CVI is best known for serving Veterans recovering from addiction, disabilities and other barriers to employment. CVI is developing a strategic vision for the next 3-4 years to include additional neighborhood housing and a food pantry. CVI just opened a mental wellness center that will serve to address the critical needs of mental illness among our community veterans especially those at risk of suicide. These new initiatives will establish new synergies among Veterans, business leaders, and the communities CVI serves across Wisconsin. CVI facilitates nine service programs out of seven offices across 54 counties, along with nine transitional and permanent housing facilities. CVI itself operates, in Milwaukee, 30 units (one, two, and three-room) in four HUD CoC-funded PH facilities, a 52-unit permanent supportive housing facility (17 HUD-VASH units, 35 Section 8 units), a HUD CoC-funded 33-unit scattered site permanent supportive housing program, five USDVA GPD-PDO grants implementing 4 different models (Service Intensive Transitional Housing, Bridge Housing, Clinical Treatment, Hospital to Housing, and Transition in Place); 25 single-room occupancy (SRO) units; and temporary permanent housing rental assistance for an estimated 200 veterans annually funded by Supportive Services for Veterans and Families - SSVF). In Racine, 32 units of 2 HUD CoC-funded PH facilities. In Green Bay, a 50-unit permanent supportive housing facility. CVI’s major area of expertise is in working with Veterans. Familiarity with military culture is a necessity for effectively engaging with and delivering services to this population. CVI is also experienced with working with the subpopulation of Veterans who are faced with serious challenges such as homelessness, low incomes, mental illness (particularly combat-related PTSD), and substance abuse). CVI is extremely committed to our veteran population in the State of Wisconsin who are experiencing unemployment, homelessness, poverty, mental health issues, lack of affordable housing, and prolonged separation from family. We aim to ensure that these veterans have a full stake at the joys of life. No veteran should be reliant on assistance programs, be homeless, without shelter and the ability to find employment and advancement.