For reprint by GWAAR Legal Services Team
Wisconsin homeowners who need assistance with mortgage, utility, or other household bills as a result of the pandemic may be eligible for financial relief. A new statewide program, Wisconsin Help for Homeowners (WHH), is open to individuals and families who live in Wisconsin, have overdue housing-related bills, meeting income and other eligibility requirements, and have experienced a qualified economic hardship since January 21, 2020. WHH is funded by the Homeowners Assistance Fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Eligible individuals must be Wisconsin homeowners living in a single-family home, duplex, condo, or factory-built home. The property must be their primary residence. In addition, the homeowner must have experienced a financial hardship since January 21, 2020. A financial hardship is a reduction in income or increase in living expenses due to the Coronavirus pandemic that has created or increased a risk of mortgage delinquency, mortgage default, foreclosure, loss of utilities or home energy services, or displacement for the homeowner. Finally, eligible individuals must have household income at or below 100% of the county median. 100% of the county median was $79,900 or less for 1 person and 2 person households in 2021.
Eligible homeowners may be awarded up to $40,000. Assistance below $10,000 will be provided as a grant. Assistance over $10,000 will be structured as a one-year, non-interest bearing, non-amortizing forgivable loan. If the homeowner remains in the home and does not sell or transfer the home or refinance a mortgage within one year, the loan will be forgiven. Any funding received from the program will go directly to financial institutions, local treasurers, utility companies, or other entities to pay for overdue bills.
To start the application process, households are asked to go online and complete the intake form: www.newcap.org/intake-form. If you need assistance, contact Newcap directly at 1-800-242-7334 or stop in their office at 1540 Capitol Dr. Green Bay.
Newcap offers a diverse collection of programs which are designed to move people from poverty to opportunities and economic security, while still enhancing community development. Call them today or visit them online at newcap.org to see how they can help.
