Gov. Evers announces more than $1 million in grants for emergency, low-income housing

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Dec 21, 2020 11:14 AM CDT

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) – Gov. Tony Evers announced Monday, Dec. 21, that 41 organizations will share some $1 million in grants from the WHEDA Foundation as they work to provide emergency shelter, transitional residences, and extremely low-income housing.

Administered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), the WHEDA Foundation "grants improve housing for community members, including individuals with disabilities, survivors of domestic abuse, individuals with chronic mental illness, those with incomes at or below 30 percent of the area median income, and youth experiencing homelessness," according to a press release.

“Throughout Wisconsin, providers of emergency and transitional housing are working harder than ever to keep our most vulnerable residents safe and connected with healthcare and community services that support stability and help Wisconsinites thrive,” Gov. Evers said. “The WHEDA Foundation grants play an essential role in creating and improving these residences for community members.”

WHEDA CEO Joaquín Altoro said this year’s award of $1,040,000 in grants will create or improve 845 beds and housing units across the state.

“By working with nonprofit and other local partners, the WHEDA Foundation leverages their expertise and builds capacity throughout Wisconsin,” CEO Altoro said. “This marks the 36th year the WHEDA Foundation has provided financial support through the housing grant program. This year’s grants will expand the supply of safe, affordable housing for people with special needs as well as for individuals and families negatively impacted by the pandemic.”

The release says providers in Ashland, Brown, Burnett, Calumet, Dane, Dodge, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, La Crosse, Lincoln, Marinette, Milwaukee, Monroe, Outagamie, Polk, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Shawano, Waukesha, Winnebago and Wood counties received awards ranging from $2,142 to $40,000.

WHEDA says they received 65 applications through the housing grant competition this year totaling $2,013,456 in funding requests, an indication of the high demand and need in Wisconsin.