Wisconsin communities are kept warm from assistance

More than 48,000 households have received assistance from the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) program, surpassing $200 million in rent and utility payments statewide. The federally funded WERA program provides up to 18 months of financial assistance, for current and overdue payments, of rent and utilities, including water, electricity, gas and internet.

The program is an instrumental tool in helping families maintain housing, despite financial hardships related to the coronavirus pandemic. The program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) and is funded by the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program, through the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

“Anytime we can help a family stay safe in their homes, catch up on utility bills or get some peace of mind, it’s a worthy accomplishment,” said DOA secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld.

The WERA program is open to Wisconsin residents who demonstrate a risk for experiencing housing instability, who have seen their income impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and who earn a household income at, or below, 80 percent of the county median income.

Rental and utility assistance payments, are made directly to the landlord or utility provider, on behalf of the tenant.

For more information, visit doa.wi.gov.

Kim Rabe shows off her blackout BINGO card and cash winnings from the Sept. 23, Free Community Bingo event held at Mill Yard Park in Cornell. This event is held on the fourth Friday of each month, and is hosted by the Cornell/Lake Holcombe Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers. Sponsoring the September BINGOs, was Citizens State Bank. Now that the weather is cooler, the events will take place at the Lake Holcombe Town Hall.