Promising Practices

Mobile Eligibility Van
Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

In a local initiative, Milwaukee County designed and purchased a mobile eligibility van to travel to communities in the Milwaukee metropolitan area, allowing people to apply for Food Stamps (called FoodShare in Wisconsin) in their own communities. The white van has the program logo on the outside, is approximately 16 feet long and self-contained. It features steps and a lift to get inside, four computer terminals for wireless access to CARES (the State’s automated eligibility system), a generator, a washroom, file cabinets, and seats. The van became operational April 2005. Four days a week it goes to Milwaukee County neighborhoods and special events where people can apply for benefits. Use of the van enables employees to work in the communities and do program outreach and application intake interviews at public events. An eligibility unit carrying a caseload staffs the van. The van gives these caseworkers an unusual and exciting work environment and allows customers to apply for benefits in their own communities - at neighborhood centers for the elderly, at public events and fairs, and other places, so they don’t have to travel to assistance offices in the city.

The overall cost of the van was $150,000. There were overtime costs for staff servicing sites on weekends and van maintenance costs. The county experienced equipment service issues and had to establish a contingency plan for continuing customer services.

Suggestion: Budget for mechanical issues that may occur with the vehicle and develop a good advertising /information campaign.

Contact person:

Felice Riley
Milwaukee County DHS
1220 W. Vliet
Milwaukee, WI 53205
414-289-6272
FRiley@Milwcnty.com

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