MILWAUKEE — On Thursday, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley led a tour of a building the county bought to help those seeking emergency shelter.

Hillview is a three-story complex and the former site of a nursing home. 

The Hillview Hall Rehabilitation Project received $3 million through the Neighborhood Investment Fund, which allocated $234 million to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

(Spectrum News 1/Cody Taylor)

James Mathy is the Milwaukee County administrator for housing services. He said the funding will pay for renovations and the addition of 27 rooms. 

Hillview will offer housing, recovery and food resources for those in need. 

“This is an example of if an individual really needs more intensive services as a bridge to their own apartment, that is what this is,” said Mathy. 

The first floor is home to Friedens Food Pantry and the county’s Pathways to Permanent Housing program. The second and third floors will offer housing options for those struggling with homelessness. 

(Spectrum News 1/Cody Taylor)

Stephen Bauer is the CEO of Guest House, which provides shelter, housing, education and services to Milwaukee’s homeless population. 

Bauer said the apartments on the second floor of Hillview offer housing for 27 people and families of the unhoused population. 

“There are a lot of things stacked up against some folks to find sustainable housing; that is why we are here is to provide case management,” said Bauer. “Hands-on, people-first case management that focuses on understanding and assessing the needs of clients.” 

Bauer said most people struggling with homelessness also struggle with mental health and addiction issues. He said this is something his team will be able to address at Hillview. 

“All of that is predicated on them having a safe space to sleep at night so they don’t have to worry about where their bed is coming from the next night,” said Bauer. 

Mathy anticipates renovations will be complete by the middle of 2025.