Madison, Wis. – Governor Evers has proclaimed June National Homeownership Month, calling attention to existing barriers to homeownership for Wisconsin families. The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), in conjunction with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), are sharing information about programs to help first-time homebuyers as well as established homeowners to be able to stay in their homes. Many programs exist to support homeownership for Wisconsin residents, including down payment and mortgage assistance, help with utilities, weatherization, and more.

“As we mark Homeownership Month in Wisconsin, we want residents to know that programs are available to help with water, energy, internet costs, mortgage, and more if you qualify. We’re grateful for the support from Governor Evers to make sure that Wisconsin homeowners can continue to bounce back,” said Department of Administration Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld.

Ongoing programs and services include:

For more than 50 years, WHEDA has provided low-cost mortgages to help more than 137,600 individuals and families realize the dream of homeownership. “Owning a home provides access for many families to start creating generational wealth. This effort builds and sustains strong communities throughout Wisconsin,” said WHEDA CEO Elmer Moore, Jr. “We provide resources and tools to help remove barriers for those that believe homeownership is out of their reach. WHEDA is building stronger communities with every home mortgage.”

The DOA Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources (DEHCR) annually supports thousands of Wisconsin homeowners with a variety of services. Since July 2021, over 4,100 households received weatherization services, including nearly 3,000 homeowners.  In addition, between April 2021 and March 2022, over 400 households received housing rehabilitation and close to 500 households received assistance with affordable housing through rehabilitation and Community Development Block Grant programs, while 155 homebuyers received assistance through the HCRI program.

The Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program has awarded over $3 million to date to support Wisconsin homeowners at risk for foreclosure. Applications are still open at homeownerhelp.wi.gov. The DOA has partnered with Wisconsin Community Action agencies, Energy Services, Inc., and Take Root Wisconsin to process applications and work directly with lenders and providers on overdue arrears.

“Owning a home not only builds financial security, but also creates stronger communities across our state. Yet, many Wisconsinites struggled to pay bills and stay in their homes as a result of the pandemic,” said State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski. “I am proud of the work we did with the Treasurer’s Homeownership Task Force that resulted in the connections and partnerships needed to launch the Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program. Whether it’s someone who fell behind on their mortgage payments because they lost their job due to COVID-19, or someone who missed a property tax payment and is struggling to catch up, Wisconsinites need this important assistance to avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.”

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