Department of Health and Human Services
 

Supporting Individuals With Accessing and Maintaining Housing

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Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services Update in Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services is committed to the safety and needs of the individuals that we serve. We are taking the current situation with the Coronavirus very seriously and working closely with public officials and community partners to ensure access to services. Look for any changes and updates to services on the divisions' landing pages. You can also call 2-1-1 for information. IMPACT 2-1-1 provides a coordinated point for those in need.

View a Complete List of Milwaukee County and Community Partner Resources

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

In accordance with 24 CFR 91.105 and as the lead agency for the Milwaukee Urban County Jurisdiction and the Milwaukee County HOME Consortium, Milwaukee County is posting the Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing for public comment. The Analysis of Impediments (AI) to Fair Housing Choice is a process that recipients of grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), such as states, local governments, and public housing agencies, undertakes as part of their obligation to affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH) under the Fair Housing Act. A digital copy of the final regional report is available here. Public comments will be taken for 30 days from the date of this notice.

Public comments can be emailed to Victoria Toliver, Housing Program Manager CDBG/HOME or can be mailed to the 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) 278-2948 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 funds.

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice

Support for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

We are partnering with Housing Resources, Inc. to provide mortgage assistance to eligible homeowners facing mortgage delinquency or foreclosure due to financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are being accepted now through Dec. 18, 2020.

To be eligible for assistance, a property must be: An owner-occupied dwelling consisting of one to four separate units; secured by a mortgage; and located in Milwaukee County.

To qualify for the Mortgage Assistance Program:

  • The homeowner(s) must have experienced a loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic after March 1, 2020 and be able to document the income loss
  • The homeowner(s) must have an annualized current household income of no more than 80% of the Area Median Income
  • Homeowner(s) applicant must hold legal title to the property for which they are requesting assistance
  • Mortgage payments for which assistance is requested must be at least 30 days delinquent at the time of application and due between March 2020 and December 2020
  • The mortgage(s) for which assistance is requested must be a first or second mortgage on the property

Apply Now

Housing InitiativeFunding Available to Assist Residents Facing Eviction, Housing Insecurity

Milwaukee County has launched a $10 million housing initiative aimed at addressing the needs of county residents who are behind on rent, facing eviction or experiencing short-term difficulty paying their mortgages.

Facing eviction? This initiative has dedicated $7 million to eviction prevention efforts through a rent assistance program developed in partnership with Community Advocates. Individuals and families who are facing eviction or who are behind on rent and meet eligibility criteria may apply for up to $3,000 per cooperative landlord/tenant stipulated agreement. Learn more.

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.

 

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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.

Supportive Housing Programs

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.

Housing Intervention 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.

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) 278-4678.

How to Apply for Supportive Housing

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  Info for All Applicants

Referral Form

Guidelines

Case Manager Expectations

Extension Reques

  ACC Management Group Properties

Bradley Crossing
4375 W Bradley Rd. Brown Deer, WI 53223

(Bradley Crossing Application​)

Weinberg Residence

4425-4429 Village Ln. Brown Deer, WI 53223

  Cardinal Capital Properties

(Cardinal Capital Application​)

Empowerment Village Lincoln
525 W Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53206

WAIT LIST CLOSED

Empowerment Village National

1528 W Walker St., Milwaukee, WI 53204

WAIT LIST CLOSED

Farwell Studios
1531 N Farwell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202

WAIT LIST CLOSED

Highland Commons
6700 W Beloit Rd., West Allis, WI 53219

WAIT LIST CLOSED

Thurgood Marshall

(Harm Reduction Housing)
1918 N 6th St., Milwaukee, WI 53212

To apply, Dial 2-1-1!

United House
2500 W Center St., Milwaukee, WI 53206

WAIT LIST CLOSED

  Heartland Alliance Properties

To apply, Dial 2-1-1!

(Heartland Alliance Application​)

Capuchin Apartments
2502 W Tamarack St., Milwaukee, WI 53206

Prairie Apartments
1218 W Highland Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233

  Pathways to Permanent Housing

(Pathways to Permanent Housing Expectations)

Pathways to Permanent Housing
1615 S 22nd St., Milwaukee, WI 53204

  Supported Apartment Program

(SAP Application​)

SAP Apartments
3200 W Fardale Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53221

  Team Management Properties

(Team Management Application)

Grand View Apartments

(Family Housing)
3800 W Lisbon Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208

Washington Park Apartments

(Family Housing)
3900 W Lisbon Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208

Milwaukee County Home Repair Program

The Housing Division helps provide financial assistance to low-income owner-occupants of single-family homes to make necessary repairs to their dwellings. The program provides below-market-rate loans to eligible property owners in participating municipalities in Milwaukee County. Due to restrictions on these funds, we do not serve the City of Milwaukee, City of West Allis or the Village of River Hills, but do serve the remaining communities of Milwaukee County. Common items repaired through Milwaukee County Home Repair include hot water heaters, furnaces, sewer laterals, roofs, siding, trim, windows, porches, foundations, plumbing and electrical. Grant funds are available for persons with disabilities needing home modifications for accessibility such as ramps, lifts and bathroom modification.

Program Highlights

  • Milwaukee County DHHS Housing Division staff provides lead risk assessments, detailed scope of work, and bids out work to be done
  • Homeowners may receive financial assistance, typically low-cost loans, to fund the work. Homeowners sign a contract with approved contractors
  • Milwaukee County DHHS Housing Division pays the contractor directly
  • Owner repays Milwaukee County DHHS Housing Division over years, often with no interest

Income Limits (2020)

Household Size Gross Annual Income
1 $46,950
2 $53,650
3 $60,350
4 $67,050
5 $72,450
6 $77,800
7 $83,150
8 $88,550

Maximum home value: $209,000

(414) 278-4917

Email Home Repair

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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

Download Home Repair Brochure

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 (Updated 3/23/20)

  • Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) will continue to be processed as normal and paid out twice a month, the first and the middle of the month.
  • If a participant needs to report any change in your income or family composition, contact your HPA to obtain forms and submit supporting documents via email.
  • All Biennial Inspections will be suspended temporarily. A new appointment letter will be mailed out once we resume conducting biennial inspections.
  • All other inspection services (initial, follow up, re-inspections, complaint and emergency inspections) will continue remotely using appropriate technology, procedures and protocols for the safety of our staff and participants. Contact (414) 278-4894 or Terra Barnes or Pablo Santiago with inspection questions.
  • The move documents (including the Request for Tenancy Approval) can be scanned and emailed to the assigned HPA. Your HPA will contact you if any additional information is needed. The MCHA will continue to process the move in accordance with normal procedures. Please be patient and give MCHA time to respond as staff members are working remotely via email and telephone.
  • The deadline to submit July 2020 recertification packets has been extended through April 6, 2020. You can submit your packet to your HPA via email (scan or take clear pictures and email your HPA).
  • The deadline to submit August 2020 recertification packets has been extended through May 6, 2020. You can submit your packet to your HPA via email (scan or take clear pictures and email your HPA).
  • We are encouraging landlords and tenants to conduct all business with the HACC staff via email, mail and telephone.

 

Milwaukee County Section 8 HCV Program COVID-19 Response (Updated 8/1/20)

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.

The HQS inspections  (Biennial, initial or re-inspections) will be conducted by the inspector remotely via technology (video, facetime, google duo etc.). Click here for more information. The tenant or anyone above 18 years of age must video call or facetime with the inspector to show the unit for inspection as directed by the inspector. The inspector will contact you during your inspection time slot and you or your representative need to show the unit and areas that the inspector needs to inspect.

Please continue to visit our website for any updates or changes. 

MCHA staff members will continue to work remotely via email and telephone. Contact your assigned HPA or Program Manager for more information. We appreciate your patience as we adjust to the new work environment. Delays in processing are expected.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Contacts

Main Reception Desk

(414) 278-4894

Terra Barnes (Inspections)

(414) 278-4286 | email

Alba Celedon

(414) 278-4778 | email

Connie Newson

(414) 278-2946 | email

Pablo Santiago

(414) 278-4291 | email

Stephanie Sims

(414) 278-4903 | email

Pooja Dhaliwal

(414) 278-4908 | email

Jamila Thomas

(414) 278-5126 | email

Levillia Tillman

(414) 278-5243 | email 

LaTanya Reid

(414) 278-5240 | email

Elaina Corona

(414) 278-4996 | email

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 (2018)

Household Size Income Limit
1 $16,250
2 $18,600
3 $20,900
4 $25,100
5 $29,420
6 $33,740
7 $38,060
8 $42,380

 

Section 8 Contact Information

Phone: (414) 278-4894

Fax: (414) 223-1825

Walk-In Help:

ONLY Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 

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
  • Convicted of drug-related criminal activity for the production or manufacture of methamphetamine
  • Engaged in the following criminal activities within the past five years: (Seriousness of offense, time since conviction/recent history and rehabilitation considered) 
    • Drug-related criminal activity, defined by HUD as the illegal manufacture, sale, distribution or use of a drug, or the possession of a drug with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute or use the drug
    • Violent criminal activity, defined by HUD as any criminal activity that has as one of its elements the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force substantial enough to cause, or be reasonably likely to cause, serious bodily injury or property damage
  • 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

Home Sweet Home: CCHP Housing Navigators Transforms Families’ Lives

House

by: Nicole Sweeney Etter, Writer, CHW 

Carly worked on a permanent housing plan, which included applying for a Section 8 voucher through the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee. COVID-19 delayed the process, but the voucher was finally issued in late July 2020. The voucher brought the cost of the rental down to 30 percent of Aminata’s income, making it possible for her to afford a house large enough for her family.

Read the Article

1/4

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

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

 

Public Records

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

Access DHHS 

How We Help

Our Vision

Together, creating healthy communities.

Our Mission

Empowering safe, healthy, meaningful lives.

Our Values

Partnership, Respect, Integrity, 

Diversity, Excellence

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