Milwaukee Chefs for Homeless Vets brings Milwaukee's best food to the table at a high price. But, the $150 spent on the greatest food Milwaukee chefs have to offer goes towards homeless veterans and the Milwaukee Homeless Veteran initiative (MHIV).
The program has helped veterans like Carey Brown. Brown served in active duty for four years, on reserve for 11. When he left the military, he struggled to find a job.
"I'm a vet, [but] nobody wants to give me a job," said Brown.
Then, he found MHIV. Executive Director Kirsten Sobieski said her organization works to connect veterans to the community of help available, in addition to programs to help get veterans on their feet. They have an emergency food pantry and furnish homes for veterans.
Sobieski said the Milwaukee Chefs for Homeless Vets event was expected to raise about $20,000 dollars of the organizations $1 mill. budget. She said one seat, $150, can give a veteran and their family enough food for three days.
Which is why veteran and James Beard Award Finalist Justin Carlisle wanted to get on board.
"We can't give them a sandwich? We can't give them a bowl of soup? We can't give them a couple bucks? They put their lives on the line for us," said Carlisle.
Carlisle, his brother and his father all served in the U.S. Military. He said he grew up watching his father help veterans, offering them place to stay when they didn't have one.
Now, he said he's thrilled to bring that sense of community and support to Milwaukee.
