Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), announced Thursday that 52 organizations will receive $2 million in grants from the WHEDA Foundation to improve emergency shelter, transitional residences, and extremely low-income housing.
Last year, Evers secured one of the largest state investments in affordable housing in state history with a $525 million investment through the 2023–25 state budget. In total, since 2019, over 17,000 affordable housing units and more than 26,000 housing units total have been built statewide.
Administered by WHEDA, the WHEDA Foundation grants 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.
This year, the Foundation’s 2024 Housing Grant Program is funded by $2 million from WHEDA reserves. Providers in 29 counties received awards ranging from $6,826 to $50,000, the maximum award available. Projects involve installing security features, increasing energy efficiency measures, and making existing facilities more accessible for those with mobility challenges. Many projects also fund large improvements, including roof replacements and overhauling heating and cooling systems. According to WHEDA, 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 development by creating valued construction jobs and ensuring folks have the housing supports they need to be well.
A complete list of the 2024 grant award recipients and projects is available here.
