New state program assists with property taxes, mortgage, utility payments
By Patrick Lynn
Gov. Tony Evers announced last week a new program designed to provide financial assistance to homeowners.
The Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program is set to provide more than $92 million in financial assistance, using support provided through the American Rescue Plan Act.
The goal of the program, according to a news release from Evers, is to “empower homeowners and create a dedicated network of resources for homeownership.”
This program is the product of the work of a Treasurers’ Homeowners Task Force that State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski developed in partnership with the Wisconsin County Treasurers Association.
Wisconsin homeowners who meet the following criteria may qualify:
- Must live in a single-family home, duplex, condominium, or factory-built home as a primary residence
- Must have experienced a qualified financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020
- Must have a household income at or below 100 percent of the county median. An income calculator is available at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2021/select_Geography_haf.odn.
Portage Co. Treasurer Pam Przybelski said the program is ideal for homeowners who have experienced financial hardship since January 21, 2020.
“People who may have lost work or fallen behind on bills due to the pandemic may find the Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program is the difference between keeping and losing a home,” Przybelski said.
The program offers assistance with mortgage payments, property taxes, and utility bills—including internet, Przybelski said—and paying for financial counseling and legal services.
An online application and more information about the program are available on the Wisconsin Help for Homeowners website, at https://homeownerhelp.wi.gov.
A call center is also offering information about application options at 1-855-2-HOME-WI (1-855-246-6394).
Przybelski said another statewide resource is Take Root Wisconsin, a network designed to help people become homeowners, stay homeowners, and help with repair work.
“I encourage people in the community to also sign up with them if they need assistance in those areas that are outside the scope of the Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program,” she said.
