Housing Assistance Programs
This fact sheet presents an overview of public programs that can offer
assistance with renovating and weatherizing existing housing, filling energy needs and
obtaining access to public housing and rent assistance. Because programs and funding
sources change rapidly, interested persons should check with their local city or county
housing authority (if any), with the local Rural and Economic Development office, and with
the local social services or human services department for current information.
RURAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS
Rural and Economic Development "Section 502" loans are
available to rehabilitate homes that fail to meet minimum standards for "decent, safe
and sanitary" housing, and to make homes accessible to persons with disabilities.
Contact the local Rural and Economic Development office, which is generally located at the
county seat.
HOME IMPROVEMENT LOAN PROGRAM
The Wisconsin Housing and
Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) administers the Home Improvement Loan
Program (HILP) and the Home Energy Loan Program (HELP). These programs are designed to
enable homeowners with low or moderate incomes to repair and improve their homes. The
program makes FHA-insured home improvement loans available at an interest rate below the
market rate. A third program, the Home Energy Incentive Program, is used with HILP for
energy conservation projects. To apply for a loan, visit a participating lending
institution, or call 800/334-6873.
LOW-INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program provides energy assistance for
low-income renters and homeowners. Eligibility is limited to households that have an
income not greater than 150% of the poverty level, and that show an "energy
burden". This means the household must directly pay a fuel provider or pay rent that
includes heat. Applications usually must be made through the county Energy Assistance
Office. Payments are made based on a multi-tier schedule depending on income, household
size, and fuel type. One payment at the appropriate benefit rate is made for the entire
heating season.
WEATHERIZATION PROGRAMS
In most counties, free weatherization is available for qualified
low-income customers through gas and electric utilities. Contractors are hired to install
insulation, as well as to caulk and weather strip. Call the local utility for further
information.
RENT ASSISTANCE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING
Public housing programs provide publicly-owned and publicly-operated
housing for low-income families and single persons who are age 62 or older, have a
disability, or are displaced by government action or disaster. Local housing authorities
set income limits, and rent may not exceed 30% of income. Contact the local city or county
housing authority for information.
SECTION 8 HOUSING SUBSIDIES
The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
contracts, either directly or through a local housing authority, with owners of new,
existing or rehabilitated housing units. HUD pays the difference between rent charged on
the private market and the tenant's contribution, which is based on income. The
participating owners may be public or private. Apartments, houses and rented mobile homes
may be eligible. Another type of Section 8 program provides a rent subsidy certificate to
a qualified applicant who then finds a landlord who is willing to participate. Sometimes
it is possible to obtain a subsidy for the tenant's current dwelling. Contact the local
housing authority for details.
RURAL RENT ASSISTANCE
In rural areas, the Rural and Economic Development office administers a rent assistance
program similar to the Section 8 program. The rural program uses the same income
guidelines to establish eligibility. The rent charged to the tenant is generally limited
to 30% of the tenant's income. Priority is given to tenants in program-sponsored projects
who are paying the highest percentage of their income toward rent. Contact the local Rural
and Economic Development office for details.
FILE #10: September 1998.
This edition was written by Kimberly Schindler.
Alternative format versions are available on request.
Last Revised: October 24, 2008
|
