Department of Health and Human Services
 

Supporting Individuals With Accessing and Maintaining Housing

PUBLIC COMMENT

Milwaukee County 2023 Annual Action Plan, Reallocation of Funds from Prior Years and 2024 CDBG and HOME Application Process

Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services Housing Division will publish the Consolidated Plan Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2023 in accordance with 24 CFR 91 and County Board Resolution 21-1019. The County is also including in its 2023 Annual Action Plan a reprogramming of prior year funds from 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Digital copies of these plans will be available during the 30-day publication date.

Reprogramming of prior year funds to 2023 activities under Consolidated Plan Goal 1/Housing, Goal 3/Public Facilities, and Goal 4/Economic Development. The 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 prior year funds were originally allocated for Homeowner Repair activities, but due to the pandemic and on-going difficulty in finding contractors the County has been unable to commit and spend these funds. Therefore, the County will reprogram approximately $900,000 of prior year funds to Housing, Public Facility, Code Enforcement and Economic Development activities. Many communities and agencies are experiencing increased costs for public facility activities and there continues to be a need for additional assistance for small businesses. The reprogramming of prior year funds allows us to address these needs.

The Committee on Community, Environment and Economic Development (CEED) is holding a public hearing on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. to review funding recommendations for the reprogrammed activities. The hearing with be held at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, 901 North 9th Street, Milwaukee and virtually as a live stream on the County Legislative Information Center https://milwaukeecounty.legistar.com/calendar.aspx.

Milwaukee County will be receiving 2024 federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds totally approximately $1.7 million. The CDBG funding is to be shared between Milwaukee County and 15 participating municipalities. The municipal share will be allocated in accordance with the Inter-Governmental Cooperation Council policy adopted for this purpose. It is proposed that the County’s share be used for County-wide projects. Approximately 20% is set aside for administrative costs. Milwaukee County will also be receiving approximately $1.2 million in HOME funds to be used in 17 participating municipalities. Non-profit agencies are eligible to apply for these grants. Applications will be made available to municipal and non-profit agencies in July 2023 for 2024 funds.

Public comments can be emailed to Diane Tsounis, Housing Program Manager CDBG/HOME at [email protected] or can be mailed to Milwaukee County Housing Department, located at 600 West Walnut Street, Suite 100, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. If you would like to make your public comment by phone, please call 414-278-5250 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and leave a voice mail message. For hearing impaired individuals, please dial 711. All public comments will be taken into consideration prior to the determining the use of the Annual Plan funds.

Milwaukee County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Meeting

Feb. 21, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Agenda

Contact Us 

 

Program/Service Phone  Email 
My Home (414) 278-4902 [email protected]
CDBG/Home Repair (414) 278-4917 [email protected]
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) (414) 278-4894  
Street Outreach Team (414) 263-0989 [email protected]
     

Housing InitiativeFunding Available to Assist Residents Facing Eviction, Housing Insecurity

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will pay up to 15 months of rent assistance, including up to 12 months of back-rent for qualifying people who experienced financial hardship during the pandemic. ERAP will also pay home energy costs, including back-utilities in arrears, and internet charges. Financial hardship could include job loss, experiencing reduced wages or contending with illness related to COVID-19.

Renters may qualify for ERAP if individuals within the household have qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 outbreak; or if one or more individuals within the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, or if the household has an income at or below 80% of area median income.

Landlords may request rental assistance on behalf of tenants who are behind or at risk of becoming behind on rent payments. ERAP payments are made directly to landlords or utility companies, not directly to the renter. Successful applications are typically paid out within around ten days.

ERAP Fact Sheet EN | ES

Apply Now

 

 

Housing is a racial equity issue. People of color are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including through the loss of income and the inability for many families to pay rent. In fact, 80% of those enrolled in the Milwaukee County Eviction Prevention Program are Black.

 

Milwaukee County Supportive Housing

Milwaukee County Supportive Housing was created to assist individuals who have mental illness in obtaining safe and affordable housing. Since 2008, we have been part of creating over 700 permanent supportive housing units throughout Milwaukee County. Supportive housing includes permanent supportive housing, transitional housing and harm reduction housing using the Housing First model.

My HOME

The My HOME Housing Program is a permanent supportive housing program, providing rent assistance to individuals with a disabling condition who are experiencing homelessness. 

The definition of homelessness is: an individual or family lacking a fixed, regular and adequate night time residence and residing in places not meant for human habitation, an emergency shelter or a HUD-defined safe haven. 

Rent assistance includes a subsidized unit in one of three different locations or a tenant-based voucher.

Referrals to My HOME must be submitted through the Milwaukee Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry Process. Contact My HOME: (414) 278-4902.

Transitional Housing Services

Supportive Housing includes transitional and permanent supportive housing through several different programs, primarily for individuals who have mental health and/or substance abuse needs.

Contact Special Needs Housing: (414) 278-2944.

Homeless Outreach Services

Housing First is a homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing people experiencing chronic homelessness with affordable, independent and permanent housing as quickly as possible. Voluntary community-based support services are then provided as needed.

A person who is chronically homeless is an individual who has a disabling condition, who has been continuously homeless for one year or more OR has experienced at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years.

Referrals to Housing First must be submitted through the Milwaukee Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry Process. 

Contact Housing First: (414) 278-4894

Milwaukee County Home Repair Program

Housing Services helps to provide financial assistance to low-income, owner-occupants of single-family homes to make necessary home repairs. The program provides zero-interest loans to eligible property owners in Milwaukee County, except the City of Milwaukee, the City of West Allis and the Village of River Hills. Common items repaired through Milwaukee County Home Repair include hot water heaters, furnaces, sewer laterals, roofs, siding, trim, windows, porches, foundations, plumbing, electrical, lead remediation and accessbility modifications.

Program Highlights

  • Home Repair Program staff provides project management services including: providing initial inspections, creating detailed scope of work, working with contractors to bid the project and monitoring work progress
  • Homeowners may receive financial assistance to fund the work
  • DHHS Housing Services pays the contractor directly
  • Owner repays DHHS Housing Services for work completed

Income Limits (2021)

Household Size Gross Annual Income
1 $47,250
2 $54,000
3 $60,750
4 $67,500
5 $72,900
6 $78,300
7 $83,700
8 $89,100

Maximum home value: $209,000

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  What is the Home Repair Loan Program?

The Housing Division offers no interest loans to income qualified homeowners in the suburban communities of Milwaukee County, excluding the Cities of Milwaukee and West Allis.

Loans are funded through the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The loans can cover a wide range of repairs required to maintain a home.

Some examples include: roofing, gutters, siding, doors, windows, electric, plumbing and heating systems. The focus of the loan will be on the living quarters in the home.

Loans can also be used for emergency repairs relating to health and safety and municipal citations. For components that are more extensive than the examples listed above can be discussed with Home Repair Program Staff at the time of application and/or first meeting.

If lead hazards are found within the home, these will be addressed as part of the project and loan.

  What homes qualify?

Homes must be owner-occupied and located in Milwaukee County.

Homes in the Cities of Milwaukee and West Allis, and Village of River Hills, are excluded.

Homes must be single-family or duplexes and must have the equity to cover the cost of repairs.

Milwaukee County will place a lien on the property to secure the loan. HOME funded loans can be made on homes with an after-rehab fair market value of $209,000*.

  How much money is there?

The amount of money available depends on the program as well as the availability of funding.

This is important to remember because the County only receives a certain amount of funds each year that are able to be used for repairs, rehabilitation and accessibility projects.

Contact the office for more information about funding availability.

  What households qualify?

Households must meet the income guidelines based on family size and gross income, including assets.

Households must have the ability to repay the loan, be current on taxes and utilities, owned the home for at least 12 months, not had a foreclosure action in the last 12 months, and not have an active bankruptcy.

Applicants must own the home, no trusts or land contracts.

  What is involved in the application process?

Applications will be taken over the phone and mailed or emailed to the homeowner.

  • All household members over 18 years of age must sign the application, conflict of interest and release form.
  • Completed applications, including all supporting income and debt information, shall be sent to Milwaukee County Home Repair.
  • After application materials are received, staff shall determine if the application is eligible.
  • If eligible, staff will contact the homeowner for an initial meeting to view the property and discuss items in need of repair.
  • Staff will work with homeowner to create a scope(s) of work for the work needed at the home.
  • Upon owner’s approval of the scope, the scope is sent to contractors to request a bid for the project.
  • Work will be completed by local, licensed contractors on an approved bidder list.
  • Owners will review and select contractors based on cost-reasonable bids. A loan will be created based on project costs.
  • Loans go before a review board for approval. If approved, staff will work with owners to sign loan documents, a contract and schedule the work with contractors
  What information do I need to provide to apply?

Households will be asked to provide detailed information regarding income and debts including the following:

  • Most current signed federal tax return filed
  • Past two months of pay stubs
  • All utility bills (gas, electric, water/sewer)
  • Bank statements
  • Retirement/pension account statements
  • Social security statement
  • Property tax bill
  • Mortgage statement
  • Homeowner’s insurance
  • All other income and debt information

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

NOTICE: MILWAUKEE COUNTY IS NOT ACCEPTING SECTION 8 APPLICATIONS AT THIS TIME

Milwaukee County Section 8 HCV Program COVID-19 Response

The program office will remain closed until further notice.

Any documents or recert packets can be emailed, faxed, mailed or dropped off at the drop box located by the front door of the building. You can contact your HPA by phone, email, fax or mail. Email is however the preferred and quickest method of communication.

What Is Section 8 Rent Assistance?

Section 8 is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This program is designed to help low-income families and individuals with rent assistance for decent, safe and sanitary housing provided by private owners and rental agents.  

How Do I Apply?

You can apply during open enrollment.  The next open enrollment period will be posted here when announced. The following information will be required for each household: name, date of birth, mailing address, Social Security number and if available, phone number. Full applications will be mailed at a later date.  

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Housing assistance is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. Mixed families will receive prorated assistance. You may enroll yourself and up to two other households. All households must meet the income limits set by HUD:

Income Limits (2023)

Household Size Income Limit
1 $25,050
2 $28,600
3 $32,200
4 $35,750
5 $38,650
6 $41,500
7 $44,350
8 $47,200

 

Section 8 Contact Information

Phone: (414) 278-4894

Fax: (414) 223-1825

Information for Housing Choice Voucher Program providers

Section 8 Disqualifiers

If a member of your household meets one or more of the following criteria, you will be ineligible for Milwaukee County’s Section 8 Voucher Program:

  • Subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program
  • Evicted from federally assisted housing in the last five years
  • Terminated by Milwaukee County’s rent assistance program
  • Families over income (all household income is considered)
  • Incomplete documentation or fraudulent information
  • Owing debt to Milwaukee County Rent Assistance Program or any other Housing Authority.

DHHS Housing News

Milwaukee County Initiative Would Create Loan Program to Remove Lead Hazards From Foreclosed Homes

Image showing lead paint peeling off column

by: Susan Bence - WUWM

There's been a lot of talk about Milwaukee efforts to shore up its childhood lead program and remove old lead pipes that feeds drinking water to tens of thousands of homes in the city...

Read the Article

9/5

Baldwin, Crowley Promote Foreclosure-to-Affordable Housing Program

Press conference

by: Graham Kilmer, Reporter, Urban Milwaukee 

$8 million in funding will rehab tax-foreclosed homes for sale at affordable prices.

Read the Article

4/7

Green Bay Packers Foundation Awards $300,000 in Impact Grants to Milwaukee Organizations

Packers Foundation Award Ceremony

Press Release - Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers Foundation has awarded $300,000 in impact grants to two Milwaukee organizations: Fellowship Open and Milwaukee Health Care Partnership...

Read the Article

7/23

Newly Completed Seven04Place Brings Much Needed Affordable Housing to Walker's Point Neighborhood

Rendering of new hospital

by: Milwaukee Independent

Developed by Impact Seven and Rule Enterprises, Seven04Place was built on an empty lot with a vacant warehouse that has been transformed into a vibrant, new community featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, including 46 units of affordable housing for working individuals and families...

Read the Article

7/22

Downtown Homeless Encampment Now at 'Crisis' Stage, Milwaukee Business Leader Says

Tent camp beneath interstate overpass

by: Jesse Garza - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A sprawling homeless encampment beneath the Marquette Interchange has reached a "crisis" stage after a stabbing, increased heroin use and recruitment of occupants for criminal activities, a downtown business leader said...

Read the Article

7/19

Stingl: Homeless Advocate Thinks the Growing Tent City Downtown Is the Wrong Way to Go

Advocate speaks with homeless person.

by: Jim Stingl - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

For six years, Faith Kohler interviewed the homeless in Milwaukee and the organizations that strive to help them...

Read the Article

6/28

Homeless Cancer Patient Living in 'Tent City' Moves to Transitional Housing

Homeless individual in his tent.

by: Sophia Carson - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A homeless cancer patient who had been living under the Interstate 794 overpass is now in a transitional housing facility...

Read Full Article

5/29

Journey House, Cardinal Capital Celebrate Clarke Square Apartments Groundbreaking

Rep. Evan Goyke of Milwaukee speaking with a woman

by: Lauren Anderson - BizTimes

Cardinal Capital Management Inc. and Journey House celebrated on Friday the start of construction for a new $8.5 million affordable and supportive housing project in the Clarke Square Neighborhood on Milwaukee’s near south side...

Read Full Article

5/3

Milwaukee Lawmaker Lays Out Plans to Reduce Crime, Save Money

Rep. Evan Goyke of Milwaukee speaking with a woman

by: Michelle Stocker - CapTimes

Like many Democratic lawmakers, state Rep. Evan Goyke, D-Milwaukee, thinks Wisconsin has too many people in prison. Last year, several Democratic candidates for governor said they wanted to chop the state's 23,000 plus population in half...

Read Full Article

4/15

Want More? Click Here to Visit the DHHS News Archives

DHHS logo

Archives contain material back to September 2018

 

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)

CDBG/HOME

One of the requirements of the federal government for funding from HUD for the CDBG and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) is the submission of a five-year plan. This plan identifies general areas of need and how these needs may be addressed using the CDBG and HOME funds. In addition to the five-year plan, the County must submit an annual plan which includes the CDBG funded programs for the current year.

CDBG 2021 Applications

2021 Application
2021 Instruction and Signature Packet – PS-ED-Housing
2021 Instruction and Signature Packet - PFI-CE
2021 Application Appendix C.1 - C.5 

Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report

Every March the Milwaukee County DHHS Housing Division submits a Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This report must be filed by March 31. (90 days after the end of the County's fiscal year.) The CAPER covers progress during the past program year in carrying out the County's Annual Action Plan and reports on activities and projects funded through the CDBG and HOME Programs. The report also contains a section that discusses housing activities carried out by the County and other organizations.

Contact DHHS Housing Division

Visit Us

Talk to Us

(414) 278-4894

Jim Mathy

Housing Division Administrator

Contact for Media Inquiries

 

 

MILWAUKEE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

1220 W. Vliet St.

Suite 301

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53205

Our Vision

Together, creating healthy communities.

Our Mission

Empowering safe, healthy, meaningful lives.

Our Values

Partnership, Respect, Integrity, 

Diversity, Excellence

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