Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Milwaukee Homeless Man Alleges South Side Shelter Wanted Access To His Wisconsin Quest Card

Photo: DHS

More than 200,000 people in Milwaukee use Wisconsin Quest Cards

By H. Nelson Goodson
August 18, 2010

Milwaukee, WI - A 53-year-old homeless man alleged and felt victimized at the South side Milwaukee Victory Church shelter, at the 2100 block of W. National Ave. Staff wanted 20% of income plus access to his Wisconsin Quest Card (WQC) to share allocated funds for food with the shelter and other temperary tenants.
Even a staff member went through his wallet to make sure to see, if he had the card, according to the 53-year-old man. The man was offered a space to stay at the shelter for at least 30 days, but after experiencing the questionable request to gain access to his WQC, he got his wallet back and left the shelter.
WQC staff could not be reached for comment, concerning certain shelter rules and sharing of WQC allocated credit funds with other people. WQC is individually approved by a state social worker who determines eligibility by individuals earned income, but by state law only the person holding the card can access to purchase eligible foods by entering a Personal Identification Number (pin number).
The Wisconsin State Department of Health Services (DHS) provides nutrition assistance to families and individuals through FoodShare, and to women and children through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. 
FoodShare benefits (funds) are loaded onto a Quest Card monthly, which is used like a debit card at participating supermarkets and retailers. FoodShare funds can be used to purchase breads and cereals, produce, meats poultry, fish, and dairy products. You can even use your FoodShare dollars to buy seeds and plants to grow food for your family, according to DHS.

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