Veterans services highlights Project Hope, flags bills affecting veterans and outreach needs

Greg (Veterans Service Officer) told the Dunn County Human Health and Human Services Board on Sept. 25 that local collaborations such as Project Hope were helping stabilize veterans experiencing homelessness and that ongoing state support for veterans housing remains a high legislative priority.

“Project Hope … is absolutely a value added value to the work that that we do in the veteran's office,” he said, describing coordinated efforts with city and county staff, law enforcement, adult protective services and nonprofit partners to move people from immediate needs toward longer‑term housing and services.

Greg briefed the board on state legislation—Senate Bill 4411—that aims to restore funding for veterans homeless shelters that were not included in the governor’s budget. He said that loss of shelters can increase strain on local services and could worsen outcomes for veterans in crisis; he urged continued advocacy for shelter funding.

On federal legislation, Greg raised concerns about a proposal identified in the transcript as the "Choice for Veterans Act of 2025," which he said could permit private entities to charge veterans for initial claims work that he described as normally provided without cost. He warned the board about companies charging for claims assistance and noted veterans organizations including Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars oppose the bill. “There are pockets throughout The United States that there are missing services,” he said, and argued that Wisconsin already has trained service officers who provide no‑cost representation.

Greg also summarized other routine operational items, including budget tracking and staff training opportunities for Veterans Service Office personnel. The board did not take formal action on the legislative items at the Sept. 25 meeting but agreed to consider drafting a resolution or support language as needed.