Housing Stability Program (HSP): Empowering Milwaukee Residents to Overcome Housing Challenges

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Navigating housing instability can be stressful, but the Housing Stability Program (HSP) is here to help eligible Milwaukee residents regain stability and peace of mind. At HSP, we are committed to supporting individuals and families by addressing housing-related financial burdens and ensuring long-term housing security.

What is the Housing Stability Program?

The HSP provides financial assistance to Milwaukee residents facing housing instability. Whether you’re dealing with overdue rent, in need of relocation funds, or require support for upcoming rent payments, this program is designed to help you stay on your feet.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for HSP, you must meet the following requirements:

Age & Residency: Be 18 years or older and live in the City of Milwaukee .

Energy Assistance: Complete energy assistance for the 2024-2025 heating year.

Income Guidelines: Meet the program’s income limits and Fair Market Rent (FMR) thresholds.

Income Changes: Experience a loss of income within the last 30-90 days but maintain current income.

Housing Documentation: Have a 5-day notice, court summons, and a valid lease.

Additionally, applicants must contribute 25% of their monthly income as a down payment toward future rent.

 

How HSP Can Help

If you qualify, HSP offers several forms of support:

Rent Arrears: Payment for up to three months of overdue rent.

Future Rent: Up to one month of future rent assistance.

Relocation Funds: Support for moving expenses, when necessary.

 

Key Guidelines and Documentation

To ensure a smooth application process, be prepared to provide the following:

Proof of Financial Changes: Documents showing income loss, such as termination letters, medical-related pay reductions, or unemployment exhaustion.

Proof of Current Income: Pay stubs, unemployment compensation, or new hire letters.

Housing Documents: A 5-day notice, court summons, or current lease.

Photo ID: Government-issued ID for all household members aged 18 or older.

 

It’s important to note that certain situations, such as stolen money or co-tenants moving out, are not considered valid reasons for income loss under HSP guidelines.

Empowering Milwaukee One Household at a Time

At Community Advocates, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. The Housing Stability Program is one way we’re making that vision a reality. If you or someone you know is experiencing housing instability, don’t hesitate to apply. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Milwaukee.

For more details or to start your application, visit Community Advocates Website or contact us today.

 

Housing-Stability-Program-public-flyer

 

RHRC Back To School Event – Postponed

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We regret to share that the Rental Housing Fair and Back To School event scheduled for Thursday, August 17 has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. However, the Rental Housing Resource Center and its partners are here for the community to assist with any rental housing questions and situations.
In the meantime, we’ll be sharing information on any upcoming resource events. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram for more updates. We appreciate the support and great work of our community partners!

Rental Housing Resource Center Back To School Event - August 17 from 10am to 2pm

The eviction moratorium is ending. I’m considering evicting my tenant. What can I do?

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The eviction moratorium has ended and my tenant is behind on rent. I’m considering eviction. What can I do?

 

The national eviction moratorium ends on July 31, 2021. If your tenants are not up-to-date on rental payments, you may be considering filing an eviction. However, there are alternatives that can save you time and money. 

 

  1. Submit a landlord inquiry or refer your tenant to the rent assistance programs at SDC or Community Advocates. They may be eligible for assistance paid directly to the property owner that covers both back rent as well as potential future rent. You will not receive the assistance if the tenant is evicted. If your tenant applied for rent assistance and you have not received a payment, please provide time for the application to be processed. Average turnaround times for rent assistance applications are around 30 business days. Waiting to be notified of the outcome of a rent assistance application can be difficult, but know that funds are being distributed at this time.
  2. Consider mediation. Many landlords find that mediation works better for them than court. Tenant-landlord mediation can be faster, less expensive, and less stressful than taking your tenant to court, while achieving similar results. For example, Tim Ballering of Affordable Rentals now has a “mediation first” policy, finding that mediation increases the likelihood that rent will be paid. Applications can be initiated online, by calling 414-939-8800 or by emailing apply@mediatemilwaukee.com, the sooner the better.

 

The eviction moratorium is expiring. I’m behind in rent. What do I do?

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I’m a tenant. The eviction moratorium has ended and I cannot pay my rent. What can I do? 

 

The national eviction moratorium ends on July 31, 2021. If you are not up to date on your rental payments, the end of the eviction moratorium may be a source of enormous stress. But don’t panic –– there are resources that can help you avoid eviction.

 

  1. Talk to your landlord. If you applied for rent assistance, let them know where your application stands. If you’re able to make small payments, offer a repayment plan. Your landlord may be willing to work with you to avoid the hassle of eviction.
  2. If you have not applied for rent assistance, do so ASAP! If you experienced a loss of income in the last six months or a financial hardship related to the public health crisis, you may be eligible for rent relief. If you live in Milwaukee or Waukesha County, you can apply for rent assistance from Community Advocates. If you live in the City of Milwaukee, you can apply for rent assistance from the Social Development Commission. Your landlord will receive a notification after you complete your application, however, we recommend you still let your landlord know right away that you applied.
  3. Get support through mediation. A professional mediator from Mediate Wisconsin can work with you and your landlord as a neutral third-party to find an alternative solution to eviction. Mediation can help you keep an eviction off your record.
  4. Get legal advice. You may want legal support from the Legal Aid Society or from Legal Action of Wisconsin. Their experienced eviction defense teams can help you fight an eviction or reach an agreement with your landlord that doesn’t involve eviction. Reach out at any point – they may provide advice or a letter pre-filing, or if needed, in-court representation. 

Get Legal Help from Legal Action of Wisconsin’s Eviction Defense Project

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If you’re a renter with court for eviction this summer, Legal Action of Wisconsin’s Eviction Defense Project may be able to help.

Legal Action of Wisconsin has announced the Eviction Defense Project’s calendar for the months of June, July, and August. If you have court on one of the days available, Legal Action may be able to provide you with an attorney.

The Eviction Defense Project offers free legal aid, including:

• Brief legal advice
• Settlement assistance
• Document drafting
• Limited scope in-court representation

While Legal Action operates remotely, you should contact them as soon as possible before your court date to try to secure an attorney. You may contact (414) 278-7722 for assistance or more information.

EDP Calendar – June, July, and August

Prevent Utility Shut-offs Through Energy Assistance

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The Wisconsin Moratorium on utility shut offs ended on April 15, 2021. If you are behind in utility payments, your service provider may disconnect your utilities. You can prevent utility shut offs by contacting your service provider and by utilizing Energy Assistance. Call (414) 270-4653 for help!

  • If you cannot pay your utility bill, talk to your utility service company and ask for a deferred payment plan. Utility service companies are required to offer deferred payment plans, which allows you to make partial payments on your bill.

  • Energy Assistance is available to help eligible applicants pay their utility bill though the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). If you have not yet applied for assistance in this benefit year (since October 1, 2020) you can apply by visiting KEEPWARMMKE.ORG, by calling (414) 270-4-MKE (4653) for a phone appointment, or directly on the Energy Plus website HERE. If you applied for rent assistance from Community Advocates or from SDC, you can also receive utility assistance funds for balances not covered by Energy Assistance. Apply for Energy Assistance first to maximize the available resources.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email the RHRC team at info@renthelpmke.org or call (414) 895-7368.

Olivia Loomis
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RHRC Walkthrough

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Watch this video to learn about the Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center – who we are and how we are changing Milwaukee’s rental housing system.

Milwaukee County Housing Division

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Over the past two decades, the percentage of renter households that spend at least half their income on housing has grown from 21% to 30%. The #COVID19​​ pandemic made it even harder for families to keep up with rent payments. The RHRC connects tenants experiencing financial hardship with trusted resources to prevent eviction. In this video, hear from Maricela Gaona, the Eviction Prevention Specialist at the Milwaukee County Housing Division.