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Tomah VA discontinues lease for homeless veterans shelter

Posted at 8:17 AM, Oct 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-27 13:27:48-04
TOMAH, Wis. (AP) -- The Tomah VA Medical Center is ending a lease agreement for a shelter for homeless veterans, citing numerous problems.
 
The Veterans Assistance Foundation has operated the shelter for nearly 20 years. Tomah VA spokesman Matthew Gowan says authorities recently have responded to more than 30 incidents involving shelter residents, including a suicide attempt, a drug overdose and criminal violations.
Wisconsin Public Radio reports the center has given the foundation notice that it will end the lease in January.
 
Foundation President Christopher Hanson says he's "flabbergasted" that Tomah officials didn't share concerns about safety with him before making the decision.
 
Gowan says VA officials reached out to other foundation staff because Hanson is currently serving in Afghanistan. Hanson says he's available via email.
 
About 40 veterans live at the shelter