'I love this place': Old Main's rebirth marks five-year anniversary

So when his VA caseworker told him about the opening of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home on the Milwaukee VA grounds, he decided to move into the historic structure known to many as Old Main.

It was a move he doesn’t regret. 

“I love this place,” he said from his apartment on the first floor. “I don’t think I’m going anywhere else.”

Chris, who asked that his last name not be used, spent years struggling with homelessness and alcoholism before getting connected with the Milwaukee VA. He’s been sober for nearly five years and said he values his home.

“This has got to be one of the best places for Veterans,” he said. “I’ve never lived in anything new in my life. I came from the projects. When I came here, it was like, ‘Wow!’ I said to myself, ‘I’m not going to mess this up.’ 

“This is where I want to be. It’s peaceful. It’s quiet. It’s nice. I don’t want to get into any trouble. I enjoy where I’m at.”

Rising from the ashes

The Milwaukee Soldiers Home is marking its five-year anniversary this month, continuing to serve Veterans more than 150 years after it first opened.

Built in 1867 after President Lincoln’s promise to care for “those who had borne the battle” of the Civil War, Old Main dutifully fulfilled its purpose for more than 100 years as the Milwaukee VA campus grew around it.

But in the late 1980s, it appeared that the grand structure’s time was over. It fell into disrepair and was finally shuttered in 1989. The following years were not kind, as the building became compromised as portions of the roof collapsed.

But in the 2010s, public and private groups took up the cause to save Old Main, recognizing not only its historic significance but also its potential to continue to serve Veterans.

An ambitious renovation project launched in 2019, with the goal of making the building permanent housing for Veterans struggling with chronic homelessness. Overseen by The Alexander Company, the project focused on retaining as much of the history of Old Main as possible while transforming it into a modern living space.

A grand opening

When the doors opened and the first Veterans moved in during March of 2021, the remarkable metamorphosis was complete.

The opening generated significant media interest, and a ceremony in May drew local and state dignitaries.

In addition, philanthropic groups stepped up with donations of food, toiletries and even hand-made blankets and quilts.

“So many people were excited to see the outcome,” said Amy Mauel, homeless prevention coordinator for the Milwaukee VA.

“There were a large number of Veterans who were waiting anxiously for it to open,” said social worker Christine Taber, who is stationed at the Soldiers Home to support the Veterans.

“The goal was to have it completely filled by the end of that first calendar year, which we were able to accomplish.”

Taber said 10 Veterans who moved in the first month, like Chris, are still there, while there are more than 40 still remaining who moved in the first year.

While there is turnover at the Soldiers Home, just like any apartment complex, it is consistently full, Taber said.

Dealing with misconceptions

Though it’s been open for five years, the Soldiers Home is still dogged by misconceptions, not only in the community but also within the Milwaukee VA, Mauel said:

• The Milwaukee Soldiers Home isn’t confined to Old Main (Building 2). It includes other buildings: Building 1 (the former Administration Building), three duplexes and one single family home behind Building 6, making a total of 101 units.
• The VA does not operate the six buildings. Instead, they are leased from the VA by the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, and a property management company (The Alexander Company) manages the facilities.
• It is not transitional housing; all units are considered permanent housing. Veterans who live there are formerly homeless Veterans who are enrolled in the HUD-VASH program, and they receive a Section 8 housing voucher from the Housing Authority to subsidize their rent. As such, not all Veterans qualify to live there.
• It is not assisted living. Veterans must be independent to reside there.
• VA staff (two social worker coordinators, one nurse coordinator and an occupational therapist) are stationed on-site in donated office space to provide supportive services during regular business hours. There are no staffers on-site after business hours or on weekends.

Supporting the residents

“It’s been great to have this multidisciplinary team on-site,” Mauel said, noting that the team provides that extra support so the Veterans can continue to live independently. “They are able to work with their care providers or others, so they can be there as long as possible.”

“We help them get connected with the appropriate services, because (those services) are not provided by the building,” Taber said, noting the on-site staff works with the residents regularly and can jump into help when needed.

“You see them coming and going, and you notice when they’re struggling,” Taber said. “The extra degree of interaction (is valuable).”

Keyvan Kordi, an occupational therapist at the Soldiers Home, agreed.

“I’ve been able to have these relationships and grow them while learning a lot about the Veterans and different aspects of their lives,” he said. “It’s been nice to try and keep these Veterans housed, and they have a significant amount of loyalty and dedication to the building and their livelihoods. It’s been such a gratifying experience for me to work with all these Veterans.”

Coleen Dusold, a nurse stationed at the Soldiers Home, said she and the staff there have established trust with the Veteran residents.

“If they’re having an issue, even if they’re not on my team, they feel comfortable coming to talk with us,” she said. “It’s been very enjoyable. We have a great team here.”

A close-knit community

Residents have regular meetings where they can discuss concerns, and groups have formed around different shared activities, such as gardening, games and coffee. Residents have also organized their own activities, such as Super Bowl parties, potluck dinners and holiday get-togethers.

In addition, the Milwaukee VA’s recreational therapy program coordinates outings and other activities for the residents.

“Those are positive advantages, and I think a lot of our core group (of residents) who have been here awhile are engaged in those activities, giving them a sense of community,” Taber said.

“The group we have — property management, VA staff — makes (the Soldiers Home) a great opportunity for these Veterans to become a community,” Dusold said, saying long-time residents will go out of their way to welcome newcomers. “That is so nice, and you can see the boost in morale for a lot of Veterans when that happens.”

“There is a very close identity, where everyone has buy-in,” Kordi said. “It’s like a family. I’ve never felt a sense of isolation when new people come in. Everyone has open arms and involves them.”

Mauel said the support of the Milwaukee VA and The Alexander Company are key to creating that atmosphere.

“They really help provide that sense of community for the Veterans, and help them feel safe and supported, which leads to better outcomes for the Veterans overall.”