WHEDA Foundation Announces Grant Recipients of $2 Million for Emergency and Extremely Low-Income Housing

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) announced today that 53 organizations will receive $2 million in grants from the WHEDA Foundation to improve emergency shelter, transitional residences, and extremely low-income housing.

This year, the Foundation’s annual Housing Grant Program is funded by $2 million from WHEDA reserves. WHEDA received 96 applications requesting more than $3.8 million through the housing grant process this year, an indication of the high demand and need in Wisconsin. This year’s grants will create or improve 1,674 beds and housing units across the state. The investments at the community level also support economic recovery by creating valued construction jobs.

“Ensuring that Wisconsinites have access to safe, stable housing to overcome homelessness, mental health conditions, substance abuse, and partner violence is essential to ensure Wisconsin thrives as a state,” said WHEDA CEO and Executive Director Elmer Moore, Jr.

Providers in 27 counties received awards ranging from $9,200 to $50,000, the maximum award available. Projects involve the installation of security features, energy efficiency measures, and making existing facilities more accessible for those with mobility challenges. Many also fund large improvements including roof replacements and overhauling heating and cooling systems.

Administered by WHEDA, the WHEDA Foundation grants will 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.

Including this year, the WHEDA Foundation has issued 1,339 awards totaling nearly $31 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 one of two categories: emergency/transitional housing or permanent housing.

Organizations receiving the grants include nonprofit agencies, local governments, and Tribal authorities serving low-income or disadvantaged populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, runaways, youth in out-of-home placement, individuals struggling with substance use disorder, people in need of protective services, aging and older residents, and people living with HIV, among others.

List of the 2023 grant award recipients and projects

ABOUT WHEDA
For 50 years, WHEDA has worked to provide low-cost financing for housing and small business development in Wisconsin. Since 1972, WHEDA has financed more than 87,300 affordable rental units, helped more than 138,300 families purchase a home, and provided more than 29,200 small business and agricultural loan guarantees. WHEDA is a self-supporting public corporation that receives no tax dollars for its operations. For more information on WHEDA programs visit wheda.com or call 800-334-6873.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.