An initiative planned for Milwaukee aims to end homelessness by providing free and immediate housing to those in need. The leader of the project explains why he thinks it will work. We also learn why Wisconsin communities are trying to create unique downtown areas, and look at why the state Supreme Court ruled to shut down the John Doe investigation into alleged illegal coordination between Governor Walker’s campaign and outside political groups.
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New Milwaukee County Housing Program Looks To Eliminate Homelessness
An ambitious new program by the Milwaukee County Housing Division hopes to stamp out chronic homelessness within three years.
Based on the “Housing First” model that’s been used in other parts of the country, the program hopes to serve about 300 people every year, officials said.
According to a 2014 study from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than 195 Milwaukee people might be homeless on any particular day and more than half of them are chronically without stable shelter. Experts said that they believe the actual number of chronically homeless might actually be much higher still.
James Mathy, administrator of the Milwaukee County Housing Division, said it sounds simplistic, but the goal of the Housing First model is to move a homeless person into permanent housing immediately.
“Housing First isn’t based on where you’re at with treatment, where you’re at with medical appointments, where you are with your criminal background,” he said. “Our goal really is to get you into housing immediately and then we wrap supportive services around you, whether that be mental health treatment, alcohol and drug treatment, representation through court processes, whatever it might be.”
The Pathway to Housing model was founded by Dr. Sam Tsemberis in the early 1990s and has since been implemented in cities across the nation, and is particularly synonymous with New York City. Mathy said Tsemberis recently flew into Milwaukee for consulting with the plan.
In addition to relying on the reporting of homeless shelters and police officers, Mathy said the Housing Division will identify homeless people with a newly created outreach team to physically scout the streets. Housing is then provided in apartments scattered throughout a community and relying on relationships with landlords.
Mathy said the program will ultimately save the public money by decreasing visits to emergency rooms, police calls and other social services paid by taxpayers.
“I think it’s all about completing the quality of life for individuals. It really tries to reach individuals who have not had access to their basic needs,” Mathy said.
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State Supreme Court Ends John Doe Investigation
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Thursday to shut down the John Doe investigation into Governor Scott Walker’s campaign coordination with outside groups during his recall election. In doing so, the Court struck down part of state campaign law that it deemed overly broad.
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Milwaukee Housing Progam Targets Chronically Homeless
A new Milwaukee city-county partnership will target chronic homelessness by providing immediate access to housing and rehabilitation services regardless of a prospective recipient’s physical or mental health. Central Time talks to the administrator of the program.
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Creating Unique Identities For Wisconsin Communities
Towns and cities around Wisconsin are looking to build a unique identity, revitalize downtown areas, and keep younger residents from moving away. A community development expert talks about what it takes to build that sense of community, and bring in visitors, shoppers, and residents.
Episode Credits
- Rob Ferrett Host
- Veronica Rueckert Host
- Marika Suval Producer
- Galen Druke Producer
- James Mathy Guest
- Shawn Johnson Guest
- Andy Lewis Guest
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