Milwaukee receives $61M in federal funding for rental aid in 2022
The city of Milwaukee has been awarded another $61 million for rental assistance for struggling families in 2022, Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson announced Friday.
Johnson said that he plans to work with local partners, which include the Milwaukee Social Development Commission and the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee, to allocate the money.
“The Milwaukee Emergency Rental Assistance Program is a big help easing some of the economic stress our neighbors feel and adding stability to housing here in our city,” Johnson said.
This is part of $2.8 billion in federal rental aid distributed across the country. Milwaukee County has received $50 million from the statewide allocation, while the city of Madison has received $35 million.
Previously, Milwaukee channeled $27 million in federal funding to help families in need of housing security in 2021.
Rental assistance may be used by qualifying households to pay rent as well as back rent. It can also be used to pay energy costs and other housing-related expenses.
“It’s a lot of money,” said Colleen Foley, executive director of the Legal Aid Society. “Additional rental assistance is always welcome.”
Foley said that she is still waiting to receive additional information from the city about the new allocation.
The city expects to help at least 5,000 households, which had been successfully done with the previous 2021 funding, according to Steven L. Mahan, the community development grants administration director.
Most recently in December, $18 million was allocated to low-income Wisconsin households to help pay water bills. In order to qualify for assistance, applicants must first qualify for help from the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program.
City residents may apply for rental assistance through the Social Development Commission by calling 414-9062700 or applying online.
Residents across Milwaukee County may apply for separate rental assistance through Community Advocates. Residents outside of Milwaukee should apply for help with rent and utilities through local agencies.