Evers announces $25 million rent assistance program for those affected by the pandemic

Wisconsin residents who are struggling to pay rent and landlords struggling to collect will soon get some assistance from the state.

Gov. Tony Evers announced a $25 million Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program for those who have experienced income loss as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.  

“Wisconsinites have enough to worry about as we continue to battle the deadly COVID-19 virus. They should not also have to worry about losing the roofs over their head,” Evers said. “The Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program will hopefully provide peace of mind to a lot of people, as well as a reminder to them that we are all in this together. They have not been forgotten.” 

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According to the announcement, eligible applicants must be adult Wisconsin residents with household incomes at or below 80% of the county median income in the month of or prior to the application date. Once approved, eligible individuals may receive up to $3,000 in a combination of rental payments and/or security deposits. These payments will be paid directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant. 

The state Department of Administration will administer the funds. The state received the funding through the Coronaviurs Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  

The Department of Administration plans to partner with Wisconsin Community Action Program Association member agencies to accept applications from individuals and distribute the rental assistance. 

“Collaborations with ‘boots-on-the-ground’ partner organizations will be critical to ensuring eligible Wisconsin residents are aware of this new program and are able to receive rental assistance relief quickly,” DOA Secretary Joel Brennan said. 

State Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, criticized the program in a statement saying "when individuals look for details or an application to access this aid, nothing can be found."

“People are suffering and scared for their financial future,” Wanggaard said. “They need help now, not the promise of help only to find out they can’t access it. Making grand announcements of millions of dollars provides immediate hope to people in need. But that hope is snatched away when they find out there’s no way to get the money or learn any details.”

Wanggaard also criticized the timing of the announcement in light of recent news that 675,000 unemployment claims have gone unpaid. 

"How many evictions will occur because of the inability to access unemployment payments?” Wanggaard said. “The administration needs to stop promising and start delivering.”