Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) announced in a recent press release that 53 organizations, including four in Madison, will receive $2 million in grants from the WHEDA Foundation to improve emergency shelter, transitional residences, and extremely low-income housing.
This year, the Foundation’s annual Housing Grant Program is funded by $2 million from WHEDA reserves. WHEDA received 96 applications requesting more than $3.8 million through the housing grant process this year, an indication of the high demand and need in Wisconsin. This year’s grants will create or improve 1,674 beds and housing units across the state. The investments at the community level also support economic recovery by creating valued construction jobs.
Providers in 27 counties received awards ranging from $9,200 to $50,000, the maximum award available. Projects involve the installation of security features, energy efficiency measures, and making existing facilities more accessible for those with mobility challenges. Many also fund large improvements including roof replacements and overhauling heating and cooling systems.
Administered by WHEDA, the WHEDA Foundation grants will improve housing for community members with complex needs, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, people experiencing intimate partner violence, individuals with incomes at or below 30% of the area median income, youth experiencing homelessness, and people with mental and behavioral health conditions.
Among this year’s grant award recipients are YWCA Madison, Craig Kinney Apartments Inc., Madison Area Community Land Trust, and Women in Transition.
A full list of the 2023 grant award recipients and projects is available here.
