Eligible households can get up to $40,000 in financial assistance. To qualify for the program, you must be a homeowner, have suffered financial hardship because of the pandemic, and have a household income at or below 100% of your county median.
Gov. Tony Evers last week announced the launch of the Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program, an effort to help struggling homeowners pay their mortgages, property taxes, utilities, and internet bills.
The $92 million program, funded by President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, could be a critical lifeline for thousands of homeowners at risk of losing their homes amid steep inflation driven by the pandemic and Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine. As the cost of food, gas, and other goods rise, already-struggling homeowners could be pushed to the financial brink.
“Whether because of losing hours at work, increasing household costs, or any number of other reasons, Wisconsin stands ready to help folks make ends meet and get back on their feet because no one should ever have to worry about keeping a roof over their head for themselves or their family,” Evers, a Democrat, said in a statement.
Eligible households can get up to $40,000 in financial assistance. To qualify for the program, you must:
- Be a Wisconsin homeowner living in a single-family home, duplex, condo, or factory-built home.
- Have experienced a material reduction in income or a material increase in living expenses associated with the pandemic since Jan. 21, 2020.
- Have a household income at or below 100% of your county median. You can check your county median income here.
Applications are now available on a first-come, first-served basis here. You may also call 1-855-2-HOME-WI to learn more or reach out to your regional program contact. Even homeowners without a mortgage who meet income requirements and are struggling with overdue bills related to their homes are encouraged to apply for help.
The American Rescue Plan has invested tens of billions of dollars in small businesses, hospitals, K-12 schools, and municipal governments across Wisconsin since it passed one year ago. The legislation, which also contained significant help for renters and those experiencing homelessness, was passed with only Democratic votes. Republican Sen. Ron Johnson and every Republican representative from Wisconsin opposed the bill. Pandemic relief has also helped local Wisconsin communities address concerns about affordable housing and the prevention of foreclosures and moratoriums.
Keya Vakil Keya is a reporter at COURIER, where he covers everything from healthcare to climate change. Prior to joining Courier Newsroom, Keya worked as a researcher in the film industry and dabbled in the political world.
