Gov. Evers: With WHEDA Awards $2 million in grant funds for housing assistance to Wisconsin’s most vulnerable populations

“Expanding access to affordable housing statewide continues to be one of our top priorities, and we’re working to make sure folks have a safe, warm place to stay and a roof over their heads at night, including folks who are facing difficult circumstances,” said Gov. Evers. “These grants provide critical resources to those who need them and will help foster safer spaces for Wisconsinites who are unhoused, unsafe, and working to overcome challenges to help them get back on their feet.”

Today’s announcement builds upon continued work by Gov. Evers and the Evers Administration to expand access to safe, reliable, and affordable housing, which is a critical part of helping address the workforce challenges facing the state, support kids and families, and build healthier, stronger communities. Last year, Gov. Evers secured one of the largest state investments in affordable housing in state history with a $525 million investment through the 2023-25 state budget. In total, since 2019, over 17,000 affordable housing units and more than 26,000 housing units total have been built statewide.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that all Wisconsinites have access to safe, stable housing to overcome homelessness, deal with mental health conditions, substance abuse, and partner violence,” said WHEDA CEO and Executive Director Elmer Moore Jr. “These grants will help those dealing with these situations in ways that will allow them to thrive, rather than just survive.”
 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 2024 Housing Grant Program is funded by $2 million from WHEDA reserves. Providers in 29 counties received awards ranging from $6,826 to $50,000, the maximum award available. Projects involve installing security features, increasing energy efficiency measures, and making existing facilities more accessible for those with mobility challenges. Many projects also fund large improvements, including roof replacements and overhauling heating and cooling systems. According to WHEDA, 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 development by creating valued construction jobs and ensuring folks have the housing supports they need to be well.

A complete list of the 2024 grant award recipients and projects is available here.

WHEDA received 97 applications requesting more than $4.4 million through the housing grant process, an indication of the high demand and need in Wisconsin. Including this year, the WHEDA Foundation has issued 1,391 awards totaling nearly $33 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, 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, and aging and older residents, among others.