State announces COVID-19 rental assistance

By Patrick Lynn

Gov. Tony Evers today announced a $25 million program designed to help offset rent-related expenses during the COVID-10 pandemic.

The Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program (WRAP) will benefit state residents who have lost income as a result of the pandemic. The program will be operated by the Department of Administration, according to a news release from Evers’ office on May 20, and will offer direct financial assistance for “owed rent, security deposits, and wrap-around services for program eligible individuals.”

The effort is funded by $25 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars.

“Wisconsinites have enough to worry about as we continue to battle the deadly COVID-19 virus. They should not also have to worry about losing the roof over their head,” Evers said in an email statement.

Eligible applicants must be an adult Wisconsin resident with a household income at or below 80 percent of their county’s median income in the month of, or prior to, the application date.

Once approved, eligible individuals will receive up to $3,000 in a combination of rental payments and/or security deposits. The payments will be made directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant.

The DOA will partner with Wisconsin Community Action Program Association member agencies to accept applications from interested individuals and distribute the rental assistance, the news release said.

More details about the Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program, including complete eligibility criteria, application documentation requirements, and the distribution process for the rental assistance, will be announced soon, Evers said. More details can be found here.