Gov. Evers, Wheda Award $2 Million in Grant Funds for Housing Assistance to Wisconsins Most Vulnerable Populations

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), today announced that 59 organizations will receive $2 million in grants from the WHEDA Foundation to improve emergency shelters, transitional residences, and extremely low-income housing. Since 2019, more than 30,000 housing units have been built to address the needs of Wisconsin’s workforce, seniors, and families statewide.

“These grants provide essential resources to those who need them and help create safer spaces for Wisconsinites who are unhoused, at risk, and striving to overcome challenges,” said Gov. Evers. “My administration is committed to ensuring that everyone has a safe, warm place to stay and a roof over their heads at night, and I commend WHEDA for their work to get these funds out the door, helping to make our communities and our entire state stronger.”

Today’s announcement builds on longstanding efforts of the Evers Administration to expand access to safe, reliable, and affordable housing, which is a critical part of addressing the workforce challenges facing the state, supporting kids and families, and building healthier, stronger communities.

“Across our state, far too many people are facing housing insecurity resulting from mental and physical health conditions, substance abuse, domestic violence, or just bad luck,” said WHEDA CEO and Executive Director Elmer Moore Jr. “These grants provide pivotal funding that support community partners who understand that when we lift up our most vulnerable, the entire community and state become stronger.”

Administered by WHEDA, the WHEDA Foundation grants improve housing for community members with complex needs, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, people experiencing intimate partner violence, individuals with incomes at or below 30 percent of the area median income, youth experiencing homelessness, and people with mental and behavioral health conditions.

This year, the Foundation’s 2025 Housing Grant Program is funded with $2 million from WHEDA’s reserves to create or improve 1,515 beds and housing units across the state. Providers in 27 counties received awards ranging from $7,492 to the maximum award of $50,000. Projects include flood remediation, increased energy efficiency measures, and modifications to make existing facilities more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. Many awards also fund large improvements, including roof replacements, overhauling heating and cooling systems, and other major facility repairs. These investments at the community level support economic development by creating valued construction jobs and ensuring that people have the housing support they need to thrive.

A complete list of the 2025 grant award recipients and projects is available here.

WHEDA received 117 applications requesting more than $4.4 million through the housing grant process, indicating the need in Wisconsin. This level of demand underscores the importance of WHEDA’s longstanding support for housing providers. Celebrating its 40th year, the WHEDA Foundation has issued 1,450 awards totaling nearly $35 million to housing providers across the state since 1985. Established by WHEDA in 1983, the Foundation is responsible for receiving and administering housing grant funds on behalf of WHEDA. Grants are awarded in two categories: emergency/transitional housing or permanent housing.

Organizations receiving the grants include nonprofit agencies, local governments, as well as Housing, Community Development, and Tribal authorities. These groups serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, people experiencing intimate partner violence, individuals with incomes at or below 30 percent of the area median income, youth experiencing homelessness, and some of the most vulnerable populations facing difficult circumstances.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.