Dane County Wisconsin homeless prevention assistance.
The main programs used to stop homelessness in Dane County are available as part of the Continuum of Care as well as Emergency Solution Grants (ESG). Federal government grants are used to pay for many of these eviction as well as foreclosure prevention services, and the amount of support available is very limited. This form of aid will be provided along with counseling and support from lawyers in the community.
Anyone who lives in the community of Dane County or city of Madison and is struggling with paying for their housing needs should seek help before they go homeless. The Department of Human Services, churches and United Way 211 are two of the main resources. The assistance is for an emergency only and since funds are limited, the goal is not to help people that are chronically behind. When applying, bring proof of hardship, including the following.
-Copy of an eviction or foreclosure notice from the landlord or lender, and it needs to be a 5 day notice.
Proof of income under 115% FPL from a job, disability, child support, under $2500 is assets, or other sources.
-If homelessness is due to unpaid utility or water bills, copies of disconnection letters are needed.
Also, bring proof of residency in Dane County Wisconsin and age for all household members, including children as well as the elderly.
Types of eviction or foreclosure prevention assistance given in Dane County
This will of course depend on whether a family rents an apartment or owns a home. Solutions for leasing and ownership are very different. Other factors include the type of expenses that is needed to be paid, whether a mortgage, utility bill, or rent payment. In any instance, when qualified, some form of help may be noted below.
Dane County mediation as well as free legal aid involves attorneys from the region, mostly from non-profit firms, offering their services to clients. They may not only offer advice, but some of the law firms may even represent the client in housing court. Staff will review any pay or quit notice sent by the landlord to determine if it was legal and meets all of the rules and regulations in place.
Money is provided using ESG grants. Another source of funding is the United Way, and this regional non-profit uses donations from the Salvation Army, churches, and other groups to provide homeless prevention programs. Anyone seeking financial help needs to apply early, as funding is very limited and goes quickly.
Emergency grants can be used to pay any rental arrears due to the landlord, up to a maximum of a few hundred dollars. When it comes to utility bill help, the first solution is often a payment plan with the provider, whether it is a water or electric company. Or the tenant may be referred to a community action agency in Dane County to apply for LIHEAP. Only when these options are used up, ESG may assist.
Homeless prevention also incorporates rapid rehousing. This can not only help the currently homeless, but there may also be support for either tenants or homeowners that are being forced to move as they are being evicted or foreclosed on.
The Continuum of Care agencies, whether it is a church or community action agency, will explore all options to rehouse the family. This may involve short term placement into a shelter. But ideally, the goal of rapid rehousing is to get the client into a new home or apartment as quickly as possible. Find other church rent assistance programs.
Dane County counseling is part of the services used to both prevent homeless and rehouse families. Working with a case manager from the Continuum of Care affiliated non-profits, a holistic process will be used by these groups. They will determine why the family is behind on their rent or mortgage, and come up with a long term solution.
Phone number for homeless prevention and rapid rehousing in Madison and Dane County
Homeless prevention from the Continuum of Care will not discriminate based on any factors as well. There is assistance for immigrants, single moms, and older senior citizens as well. In fact, these individuals often get priority in Dane County, and they can be first in line for foreclosure or eviction help. For more information, or to seek advice from a specialist, call the intake line at 211. Eligible callers will be referred to an appropriate resource for their needs. Or in person applications can be made at Job Center, 1819 Aberg Ave., Suite D, Madison WI 5370.
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