Veterans non-profit in desperate need of facility repairs
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Veterans Helping Veterans is a non-profit organization known for helping homeless veterans, and now the organization needs help. The organization has been around since the 1980s, but needed repairs to its buildings are estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars and climbing.
The flags outside a Milwaukee home are in good shape, but the same cannot be said for what's inside.
"When it rains, it pours," Burgie Rogers said.
The water that misses the buckets makes its way to the carpeting.
"This has to be dripping from the second floor upstairs and I thought we turned it off but apparently it's coming through," Rogers said.
Inside the headquarters of Veterans Helping Veterans is the stark contrast of ornate art and tattered tiles, classic furniture and modern heating needs.
Broken radiators have sent a chill throughout the house that only two weeks ago, used to host veteran meetings.
Rogers heads up a non-profit whose mission is to help homeless veterans, but now, she's on a mission to find the next leak in its facility's roof. Lack of funding and time have taken its toll on this home, and on Rogers -- a Women's Army Corps vet who served in Vietnam.
"If I wasn't so stubborn I'd give up. But I can't give up. I'm not a quitter," Rogers said.
The non-profit has separate housing for veterans. That structure is boarded up and in greater need of repairs. It has been vacant for about two years, but once sheltered up to about 50 people at a time. Hundreds have helped over the last two decades.
The vets call Rogers "Mother Theresa."
Now, Rogers is trying to keep her head and her organization above water.
"We're at a point where this is as far as we can go," Rogers said.
The organization is seeking donations, but is not just looking for money. They'd also welcome contractors and plumbers who want to volunteer their time to help out as well.
Tax deductible donations can be made to:
V.A. Credit Union, 5000 W. National Avenue -- specify "Veterans Helping Veterans" account.
Those interested in volunteering a skilled trade can call (414) 400-2540.
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