The Critical Assistance Program (CA) provides direct emergency financial assistance to low-to-moderate income households in areas of the state that are not served with HUD Emergency Solutions Grant, state-funded Homeless Prevention Program, or other funds. Households served are at or below 80 percent of County Median Income (CMI), with the majority of households below 30 percent of CMI. CA funding can be utilized for a one-time rent payment, utility payment, security deposit, mortgage payment or property tax payment to prevent homelessness.
The Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources awards CA grant funds to one eligible applicant who has the capacity to assist the neediest clients throughout the state of Wisconsin, outside of Dane, Milwaukee, and Racine counties. Grant awards include operations funds to support housing activities, and may be used to provide housing counseling as well as staff salaries and other administrative necessities.
The Division encourages the coordination of CA prevention activities with existing local programs and expects the grantee agency to collaborate with agencies in local communities for the delivery of homelessness prevention services.
Eligible Activities
The grantee agency may provide security deposit assistance to renters after other homeless prevention assistance sources are considered.
The grantee agency may provide a one-time rental payment, with the client showing capacity to make future rent payments.
The grantee agency may assist homeowners with a one-time payment of principal and interest on a mortgage loan that is in arrearage. The homeowner must show the ability to make future payments.
The grantee agency may assist homeowners with a one-time property tax payment for a property tax arrearage. The homeowner must show the ability to make future payments.
The grantee agency may provide utility payment assistance in instances when non-payment will lead to eviction and homelessness. Eligible assistance includes heat, electric, and water costs. Other forms of utility assistance must first be considered before CA funds are used.
The grantee may use up to fifteen percent of the total award for operational costs to support housing assistance activities, including staff salaries and administrative expenses.
Current Grantee
Individuals and households in need of emergency financial housing assistance should first contact agencies in their local area. Eligibility to receive CA funds may only be considered after all local resources have been explored.
The current CA grantee is the Foundation For Rural Housing.
Telephone: (608) 238-3448
Application
The next CA application will be available in spring 2025.
Contact Information
CA Program Manager - Dana Wallace
Telephone: (608) 261-7013
Mailing Address: Department of Administration
Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources
P.O. Box 7970
Madison, WI 53707-7970
