Gov. Tony Evers recently announced the launch of the Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program, which is set to provide more than $92 million in financial assistance to Wisconsin homeowners who have experienced financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Eligible homeowners can receive assistance with mortgage payments, local property taxes, and utilities, including internet, as well as housing counseling and legal services.

“The Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program will provide a lifeline to homeowners who might otherwise be at risk of losing their homes because of hardships created by the pandemic,” said Evers. “Whether because of losing hours at work, increasing household costs, or any number of other reasons, Wisconsin stands ready to help folks make ends meet and get back on their feet because no one should ever have to worry about keeping a roof over their head for themselves or their family.”’ The Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program recently received approval from the U.S. Treasury and will be administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA). The program will help Wisconsin homeowners who live in single-family homes, condominiums, duplexes, or factory-built homes as a primary residence, have experienced a qualified financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020, and earn a household income at or below 100 percent of the area median income. Even homeowners without a mortgage who meet income requirements and are struggling with overdue bills related to their homes are encouraged to apply for assistance. An online application is available now, and additional eligibility information is available at HomeownerHelp. wi.gov “With _ the _ ending of _ the federal moratorium on foreclosure, it is more critical than ever that households in need are aware of this assistance,” said DOA _ Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld. _ “We are _ determined to help eligible homeowners as quickly as possible _ through our network of partners across the state. We’re grateful for the partnerships with local community organizations that have helped us spread the word about assistance in the past and are hopeful we can reach homeowners when and where they need us the most.”

Applications are open on a first-come, first-served basis at homeownerhelp.wi.gov. A dedicated call center will provide additional information about application options at 1-855-2– HOME-WI.

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