Federal funding temporarily restored to Cottage 16 Homeless Veterans program in Union Grove

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has now reversed itself and will provide federal grant money to two homeless Veterans programs in Wisconsin, including Union Grove's Cottage 16.

"Although the USDVA's surprising reversal is a very positive development," said state officials with Veterans Affairs. "With such fluidity, the WDVA is moving forward with caution while aggressively pursuing precise guidance to properly inform a decision making process that impacts the most vulnerable in the Veterans community."

State officials stopped accepting new clients when it learned that its grant application had been denied.

It also began helping the Veterans currently there to find other services.

It is not yet clear if that will change, given that the funding is only good for a year.

The Wisconsin American Legion and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association had been instrumental in getting the word out about their objections to the funding cuts.

"If there's something that can be done by raising awareness," said association member Antony Winneshiek. "We want to do everything we can."

But the State Commander for the Wisconsin American Legion, Laurel Clewell indicated the battle would not be over.

"We look forward to working closely with veterans advocates, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, Governor Walker, our Congressional delegation and legislative leaders in crafting a system of compassionate and effective care for our homeless veterans - a system that will merit continuing federal support."