Dryhootch continues to offer coffee and support for veterans 15 years later

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Dryhootch opened its doors 15 years ago to offer coffee and support to veterans. It started as a coffee shop and a safe place for veterans to gather, but it's grown into much more. 

"We have transportation, we have a food pantry, which serves about 300 veterans and the community during the week, we have our peer mentors," said Levi Marker, the director of Great Lakes Dryhootch. 

Marker is just one of the success stories to come out of Dryhootch. 

"It changed my life around," said Marker.

Dryhootch is an alcohol-free environment for vets to get together. It's also a place to go for mental health resources. 

"We try to bring that community back to you, where you can reestablish bonds with people. You can trust they already come from a military background, so you don't have to explain," said Marker. 

Whether you want to be a mentor or need a mentor, veterans can get help quickly. 

There is also a phone app for veterans in need of mental health support called Battlepeer. 

Dryhootch has two locations in Milwaukee. Those who want to support the cause can stop in the Brady Street location to purchase a coffee or buy a bag online.