COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

City of Prairie du Chien
The City of Prairie du Chien has received funds from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce – Bureau of Housing through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The grant funds are to assist income-eligible residents within the City to address housing improvement needs, such as electrical, plumbing, furnace, water heater, insulation, windows, doors, siding, and roofs. The funds are to be loaned to property owners for these improvements at 0% interest, and require no repayment as long as the owner continues to own and occupy the property. As these loans are paid back to the City, the City must reallocate those funds to other eligible property owners for similar improvements. 608-326-7333
Crawford County
This is the same program as for the City, but for income-eligible residents of Crawford County. 608-326-7333

The Housing Preservation Grants help very low and low-income families in Crawford County to secure affordable housing. According to program guidelines, HPG funds may be used to “reduce the cost of repair and rehabilitation, to remove or correct health or safety . . . or to make needed repairs to improve the general living conditions of the residents.” Such improvements may include plumbing repairs, energy conservation measures, heating systems, electrical systems, structural supports and foundations, roofing, siding, handicap accessibility, and other related issues necessary to help homeowners maintain the value and livability of their homes. 608-326-7333

HCRI provides 0% interest, deferred payment loans to help with downpayments for new home buyers transitioning from renting, and housing rehabilitation for existing homeowners. The Downpayment Assistance Program picks up 50% to 90% of the required downpayment, closing costs, and utility deposits for eligible home buyers. The HOME Rehabilitation Program will finance repairs and improvements deemed necessary for eligible homeowners. Both types of loans are secured with a recorded mortgage and promissory note, but payment is deferred until the beneficiary no longer owns and occupies the property. 608-326-7333

WORKFORCE HOUSING INITIATIVE
According to WHEDA, “In many communities across Wisconsin, affordable housing is not located near major employers. Workforce Housing programs help reduce stress to employees who have to commute a lengthy distance to work. In turn, employers increase staff retention and decrease costs associated with recruiting and training.” Visit www.wheda.com/CAT_SFL/wkfrc.asp or call 800-334-6873.

HOME LOANS
This program offers low cost, fixed interest rate financing to low-to-moderate income Homebuyers. Because Crawford County has been designated by the federal government as a location where more home ownership is desired, you do not need to be a first-time Homebuyer. However, the combined income for all adults who will occupy the property cannot exceed the limit set by WHEDA for Crawford County. 800-334-6873

No Equity Home Improvement Loan
No Equity Home Improvement provides, low-cost, fixed-rate financing for up to 15 years for Home improvement projects that exceed $10,000 with a maximum loan amount of $20,000. No Home equity is required. Eligible improvements and repairs include: roof, foundation, windows, siding and insulation, plumbing and wiring, furnace, and minor remodeling. 800-334-6873

Section 502 loans are primarily used to help low-income individuals or households purchase homes in rural areas. Funds can be used to build, repair, renovate or relocate a home, or to purchase and prepare sites, including providing water and sewage facilities. Applicants for loans may have an income of up to 115% of the median income for the area. Families must be without adequate housing, but be able to afford the mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance. In addition, applicants must have reasonable credit histories. 608-935-2791

The Wisconsin Weatherization Program provides repairs and upgrades on the homes of low-income Wisconsin households to make them safer, more comfortable, and more energy efficient. The work is done by regional community action agencies. 866-904-4508

Rental Assistance Programs

Section 8 (HUD) Rental Assistance
The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.  Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.  Eligibility for a housing voucher is determined by the PHA based on the total annual gross income and family size.  608-326-0234

Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance
Catholic Charities agencies provide assistance for housing services; including housing counseling, help with home repair, rent or mortgage assistance, utility assistance, temporary shelter, or transitional housing.  608-326-1616

Couleecap currently has a grant to provide homeless prevention assistance in Crawford County.  A person may be eligible for rent or utility assistance if they have an eviction notice or utility disconnection notice and have a temporary decrease in income. First month rent payments are also eligible.  608-326-0423

GENERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Homeward Bound provides home maintenance services for every disability group, including the mentally ill, elderly, frail-elderly, children, and every group in-between. Services include housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, shopping, companionship, and general supervision; and also more extensive services, such as extended care, respite care, and skilled nursing. They serve every disability group.

The ADRC offers the general public a single entry point for information and assistance on issues affecting older people, and people with disabilities regardless of income. 608-326-0235

The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations. The weatherization program help homeowners and renters reduce energy consumption in their homes.
866-432-8947

Financial Assistance Programs
The Human Services Department offers a wide range of financial assistance based on income criteria, including BadgerCare Plus (health coverage for families with children under 19); Family Planning Waiver; Child Care; Wisconsin Works; Caretaker Supplement; Elderly, Blind, or Disabled Medicaid Health Insurance; General Relief; Heating Assistance; FoodShare; and Emergency Assistance. 608-326-0248