Veterans Student Handbook 2017 NWTC_Veterans_Handbook_2017 (1) trans | Page 20

I AM A VETERAN BUT I AM CURRENTLY
HOMELESS. WHAT STEPS CAN I TAKE TO
GET HELP?
There are many programs to assist homeless veterans
(HUD-VASH, Veteran Assistance Centers (VACs), and the
Vet Service Commission) HUD-VASH HUD provides 20,000 “Hous ing
Choice” Section 8 vouchers designated for HUD-VASH to participating Public
Housing Authorities to assist with rent payment. The program goals include
promoting maximal veter an recovery and independence to sustain permanent hous-
ing in the community for the veteran and the veteran’s family.
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the federal VA and
private nonprofit agencies, has established six veterans’ assistance centers in
Wisconsin to serve homeless veterans and those in danger of becoming homeless.
The mission of the centers is to help veterans who are homeless or who are at risk of
becoming homeless to obtain steady employment and affordable housing. Veterans
Assistance Centers (VACs) are located at Tomah, Fort McCoy, Madison, Milwaukee,
Union Grove, and King. Based on their housing needs, veterans may live and work at
the Assistance Center, or live elsewhere and spend their days at the Assistance Center
to receive services.
I AM A VETERAN USING VA BENEFITS AND
I AM CONSIDERING DROPPING MY CLASS.
WHAT ARE THE RAMIFICATIONS OF
DROPPING?
Veterans using education benefits can create substantial debt
by dropping courses. The Post 9/11 GI bill requires that the
veteran pay back the monthly housing allowance, tuition and book stipend for
dropped courses. The debt becomes federal debt and is taken out of any resource
the veteran may have. If the veteran uses federal financial aid, dropping can create
even more debt and federal aid payback as well.
We encourage all veteran students to speak with their instructor or veterans
advisor to explore all potential options for support and assistance prior to
dropping a course.
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