🏡 How Wisconsin Is Tackling the Veteran Housing Crisis: A Conversation with Rep. Alex Joers

🪖 The Mission at Home: Why Veteran Housing Is a Crisis Worth Fighting

When service ends, the next battle for many veterans begins — finding a safe, stable place to call home. In a housing market as competitive as Madison, Sun Prairie, and greater Dane County, that battle can feel overwhelming.

Wisconsin veterans are facing a housing crisis, as the rising housing costs, limited availability, and confusion navigating benefits. The numbers paint a sobering picture:

In 2023, the Point-in-Time Count in Dane County recorded 43 homeless veterans.
Across the state, the 2024 HUD Annual Homeless Assessment identified 341 homeless veterans.
Median home prices in Madison rose to $387,000 in 2024 — pricing many first-time buyers out, including younger veterans using VA loans.

But change is coming — and State Rep. Alex Joers is one of the local lawmakers leading the charge.

🎙️ "We Need to Do Better": Rep. Alex Joers on Legislative Action

In a recent sit-down conversation, Rep. Joers laid out a two-pronged vision to support veterans across Wisconsin.

“We need to do more to support veteran services — making sure the VA is funded, making sure County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) are funded, even donating UTVs so they can connect people to the services they need,” he said.

But his focus doesn't stop at access to services — housing is a top priority.

“We need to look at things like the veterans property tax credit and how we can build on that. There are multiple ways we can make this easier for veterans and military-connected families to access resources.”

💰 Strengthening the Wisconsin Veterans Property Tax Credit

Right now, Wisconsin offers a property tax credit to 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. But eligibility is limited, and that’s something Joers and others are working to expand.

Proposed improvements include:

Lowering the disability threshold to 70%
Including renters, not just homeowners
Simplifying the application process through CVSOs

These changes could be a game-changer for thousands of veterans in Madison, Fitchburg, Cottage Grove, and beyond — especially those living on fixed incomes or transitioning out of the military.

🏘️ Local Wins: HUD-VASH Funding & WHEDA Grants

Rep. Joers isn’t alone in pushing for change. Local efforts are gaining traction too:

In August 2024, the City of Madison received $68,320 in federal HUD-VASH funds, boosting housing voucher programs for veterans.
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) announced $2 million in grants to fund emergency shelters and transitional housing programs across the state.

These initiatives are especially impactful in Dane County, where housing inventory remains tight and many vets are still on the sidelines of homeownership.

🔍 The Hidden Struggles of VA Loan Buyers

Even with no-down-payment VA loans and low interest rates, many veterans in Wisconsin still struggle to get their offers accepted. Why?

Seller bias against VA loan timelines
Agents unfamiliar with military benefits
Multiple offer scenarios favoring conventional buyers

That’s why working with a Realtor who understands the realities of veteran buyers — and how to educate sellers and agents — is crucial.

🛠️ What Can You Do Right Now?

If you're a veteran looking to buy a home in Madison, Sun Prairie, or anywhere in Wisconsin — you’ve got options. Here’s where to start:

✅ Connect with your County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO)

✅ Work with a Veteran-Certified Realtor (That’s me, John!)

✅ Apply for Wisconsin property tax relief

✅ Ask about state-funded housing support programs

✅ Use your VA loan benefits with confidence

🧭 Final Word: This Mission Isn’t Over

Rep. Joers said it best:

“I don’t want to see any veterans that are homeless. I don’t want to see anybody that’s homeless.”

Wisconsin is moving in the right direction — expanding property tax credits, funding transitional housing, and ensuring no veteran is left behind. But it takes teamwork. Veterans, advocates, lawmakers, and local professionals need to keep pushing together.

And if you're a veteran wondering where to begin — I’ve got your six.