Contact:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661
MILWAUKEE–Gov. Jim Doyle today announced that three Milwaukee area housing organizations will share grants totaling $754,000 to help Wisconsin families obtain affordable housing.
“My Grow Wisconsin Initiative calls for investing in community infrastructure,” Gov. Doyle said. “These awards will help low-income families build stronger neighborhoods and participate in the American dream of home ownership and other suitable living arrangements.”
The Department of Commerce (Commerce) administers Housing Cost Reduction Initiative (HCRI) funding, which provides acquisition assistance to households purchasing a home. The funds also provide rental assistance for families faced with short-term economic crises and foreclosure assistance to homeowners in danger of losing their home.
The following summarizes these projects:
AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Milwaukee County
Award: $200,000 HCRI
Contact: Michael Gifford, 414/225-1547
The agency will use HCRI funds to provide assistance to 250 extremely low- and very low-income households. Funds will provide rental and utility assistance to people living with HIV and AIDS throughout Wisconsin. At least 70 percent of the funding will be provided to clients in the Milwaukee area.
hbc services, inc., Waukesha, Waukesha County
Award: $154,000 HCRI
Contact: Rose Juarez-Sura, 262/522-1230
The agency will use HCRI funds to provide homebuyer assistance, including down payment and closing costs to 60 low- and moderate-income households in Waukesha and Jefferson counties.
In addition, HCRI funding will assist 200 extremely low-income households with rental assistance, including rent, security deposit, and utility assistance. Rental assistance will be available to eligible households in Waukesha County.
Milwaukee Homeownership Consortium, Milwaukee, Milwaukee County
Award: $400,000 HCRI
Contact: Neighborhood Housing Services of Milwaukee, Inc. (NHS),
Sallie Alefsen, 414/383-2272
HCRI funds will be used to provide homebuyer assistance, including down payment and closing costs, to 181 low- to moderate-income households in the City of Milwaukee. All households receiving assistance will also participate in homebuyer education sessions. NHS serves as the lead agency for a consortium including: Career Youth Development, Inc., Hmong American Friendship Association, Inc., Housing Resources, Inc., and Select Milwaukee.
For more information about Commerce housing programs, contact Jim O’Keefe, 608/264-7837.
