Gov. Evers kickstarts $2 million veteran rental assistance program

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, begins a $2 million program to help with rental assistance for veterans. Also the application period is now available for veterans needing rental assistance. However, this program is actually part of a $10 million investment supporting Wisconsin veterans.

Although the rental assistance program mainly addresses housing insecurity and homelessness among Wisconsin veterans. The $2 million program will also help with providing housing assistance to veterans statewide. 

“The last thing our veterans should have to worry about is whether they can afford to keep a roof over their heads at night.” said Gov. Evers. “We have to keep working to ensure our veterans have access to affordable housing, mental and behavioral health services, and the education and skills training they need to be successful in civilian life. I am glad these funds will be headed out the door to support folks across our state.” 

The Interagency Council have recommendations for veterans experiencing Homelessness with the “Welcoming Wisconsin Home” report. The Veterans Rental Assistance Program will help veterans offset reoccurring housing emergencies. The program also provides long-term stability, help with past, due and current rent payments and other living expenses.

“Our veterans deserve all the support we can give, and housing is one of the most basic needs to help individuals and families to find stability and get back on their feet,” said Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld. “I’m proud that we’re taking action on key recommendations to address the needs faced by Wisconsin’s veterans.” 

The Veterans Rental Assistance program, is somewhat similar to the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program, help prevent Wisconsin residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

That specific program also helped Wisconsin residents from eviction, or keeping utilities on, or having place to live. The DOA’s Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources will manage the program. The funding for the program will come from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). 

Applications and additional program information is available at vrapwi.com and 1-800-891-9276. 

For more information about the rental assistance plan you can look here https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3309f8c.

If you like to read more about supporting veterans, you can read here https://www.wdio.com/front-page/world-national/explainer-how-health-care-for-vets-became-fight-in-congress.