WERA PASSES $100 MILLION IN EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS
Contact: Kassidy Farrey, Communications Manager
Phone: (608) 244-4422
Email: kfarrey@wiscap.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 14, 2022
The Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) program has passed $100 million in payments distributed to over 22,000 Wisconsin households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is made possible through partnership of the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), WISCAP, community action agencies and Energy Services, Inc. The program is operated in 68 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties through this network.
WERA provides up to 18 months of financial assistance for current and overdue payments of rent, utilities, water, and internet. Eligible applicants include Wisconsin residents who demonstrate a risk of experiencing housing instability, have seen their income impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and earn a household income at or below 80 percent of the county median income. Rental and utility assistance payments are made directly to the landlord or utility provider on behalf of the tenant.
Brad Paul, Executive Director of WISCAP, said “the pandemic has laid bare just how fragile housing security can be for far too many Wisconsinites. This program has had a significant impact on helping those vulnerable individuals and families stay in their homes. A key driver of the program’s success had been the strong leadership of Secretary Brennan and the efficient administration of WERA by his team at DOA. We wish Secretary Brennan well in his return to the private sector and look forward to continuing the work with Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld.”
If you know of anyone that needs emergency rental assistance you can get help at your local Community Action Agency. You can find it at www.wiscap.org/wera.