December 19, 2024

Milwaukee County Awarded Federal Funding for Additional Housing Services

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is highlighting new federal funding to expand housing options and supportive services for both older adults and residents transitioning out of the Community Reintegration Center (CRC).

The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors approved two pieces of legislation today that County Executive Crowley will sign into law, including:

• File #24-943: The Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will deploy $2 million in funding to support the implementation of the 2024 Smart Reentry: Housing Demonstration Project, which aims to expand reentry housing opportunities for residents transitioning out of the CRC. DHHS received $1 million from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, and Milwaukee County is providing $1 million in matching funds for this effort. The project will be carried out in collaboration with local organizations, including My Way Out, Community Advocates, and the Medical College of Wisconsin, which will provide services such as counseling, employment assistance, and housing. The program also includes a reentry task force to ensure a coordinated approach to meeting the needs of individuals transitioning out of the CRC.

• File #24-902: Milwaukee County DHHS Aging and Disabilities Services (ADS) will deploy $976,248 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Community Living (ACL) to support older adults ages 60 and over with emergency and transitional housing and supportive services. DHHS service areas consistently struggle to find housing for those in need, and it is particularly challenging when an older adult is homeless. Throughout this two-year project, DHHS will work with local partners to ensure that the older adult population receives the necessary support and services to obtain and sustain long-term housing solutions that promote their health, safety, and well-being.

“Housing is a matter of public health, and housing security is a critical social determinant of health. Our shared vision for Milwaukee County includes expanding equitable access to safe, quality, and affordable housing and supportive services for those in need,” said County Executive Crowley. “By supporting our aging population and investing in reentry housing services for those seeking a second chance, we are working to improve outcomes for some of our most vulnerable residents and build a stronger Milwaukee County for all.”

“Housing is a key social determinant of health. We want to ensure that older adults and people reentering their communities from the CRC have access to safe and affordable housing,” said Shakita LaGrant-McClain, Executive Director of the Department of Health and Human Services. “Through these efforts, we are working to empower vulnerable residents to lead full lives.”

Learn more about Milwaukee County housing programs and initiatives HERE.

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