WERA PROGRAM ENDING, COACHING SERVICES TO BEGIN:
The State of Wisconsin, Department of Administration announced on Friday, January 20, 2023 that the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance program (WERA), funded by the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program through the U.S. Department of Treasury, will close applications on January 31, 2023, due to low remaining funds. The program was launched in February, 2021 and has been locally administered by ADVOCAP, Inc. in Fond du Lac, Winnebago, Green Lake and Calumet counties. The program was designed to help low-income households who are experiencing a financial hardship and housing insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic with rental assistance, utility assistance and related household expenses.
“There is no doubt that the impact this program had in our community was significant, but how we handle the transition out of the WERA program is going to be even more significant”, Tanya Marcoe, ADVOCAP’s Executive Director said. “Inflation has driven the cost of rent so high; I fear that many low-income households will no longer be able to afford their current housing situation and will be facing eviction soon after their rental assistance ends.”
Anyone who received WERA assistance will be eligible for Coaching Services. If you live in Fond du Lac and Green Lake Counties, please call ADVOCAP at 920-922-7760 and ask to speak with a Community Service Specialist regarding your interest in Housing Stability Services. If you live in Winnebago and Calumet Counties, please call ADVOCAP at 920-426-0150 and ask to speak with a Community Service Specialist regarding your interest in Coaching Services.
It is so important to continue to work with our low-income population in developing the skills that they need to find a better paying job, obtaining affordable housing and getting on the path to self-sufficiency.
- Tanya Marcoe
With the WERA program coming to an end, the financial assistance in paying rent and utilities will also end. The State has set aside funding for Housing Stability or Coaching Services which will allow ADVOCAP to help clients as they transition out of the WERA program. Coaching Services might include client goal setting, budgeting, landlord mediation, referrals to other programs within ADVOCAP, and connecting clients with services in the community.
“It is so important to continue to work with our low-income population in developing the skills that they need to find a better paying job, obtaining affordable housing and getting on the path to self-sufficiency.” Marcoe said. “The Coaching Services that we will be able to provide is a key component in ensuring a smooth transition out of the WERA Program.”
Anyone who received WERA assistance will be eligible for Coaching Services. If you live in Fond du Lac and Green Lake Counties, please call ADVOCAP at 920-922-7760 and ask to speak with a Community Service Specialist regarding your interest in Housing Stability Services. If you live in Winnebago and Calumet Counties, please call ADVOCAP at 920-426-0150 and ask to speak with a Community Service Specialist regarding your interest in Coaching Services.
