Milwaukee apartment building for veterans vandalized

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Thieves targeted a building meant to house veterans in need.

Burgie Rogers has dedicated her life to the military mantra -- leave no man or woman behind. She's been running a non-profit since the 1980s that provides veterans in need with a place to live -- and a support network -- in an apartment building.

"If you're in trouble, talk to me. Tell me what's happening and don't lie and we will be there for you. That's what vets are for. We're not going to leave you out there in the field. So why are we going to leave you now?" said Rogers.

Rogers had to close the place a few years ago to focus on repairs, but was hoping to open up again soon. But a month ago, Rogers said someone broke in and stole a radiator.

Rogers' friend, Pastor Luridean Nichols, said that's not all that was taken.

"They tore up a lot of things in the building. They took stools, they took faucets, they took everything, everything that was of value," said Pastor Nichols.

Rogers thinks whoever broke in has been there more than once. She wants it to stop. Rogers has contacted police. But right now, Pastor Nichols says they're just praying the project comes together.

"Burgie's trying to get it together so she can get them back a home so all we can do now is trust in God we need a miracle," said Pastor Nichols.

Rogers and Pastor Nichols are also hoping to find someone to donate time and materials to help her fix the building's roof.