GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) -- Some in Wisconsin may be able to receive up to $3,000 to pay for things like rent and security deposits if they've experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Evers announced the $25 million Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program this week. Applicants must be adult Wisconsin residents who have a household income at or below 80% of the county median income in the month of or prior to the application date. If approved, residents will receive assistance of up to $3,000 in a combination of rental payments and/or security deposits. Payments will be paid directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant.
Scott Schoeneman, the Chief Operating Officer with NeighborWorks Green Bay, said many of the tenants the organization works with are low to moderate income working families that have been cut. He said some have been furloughed and others have had hours severely cut. He also said some have had difficulty applying for unemployment because they may not have Internet access.
"What we know is that we're excited about it. It's going to help a lot of families that are desperately in need of this sort of thing right now," said Schoeneman.
He added that more guidance is expected in the coming days on how people can apply for the assistance.
Gov. Evers said he believes the money will be accessible to those who need it by early next month.
