MILWAUKEE — Tens of thousands of Milwaukee County residents are facing housing instability since Wisconsin's ban on evictions expired a little more than two weeks ago. Thursday, we found out about new investment in the fight to help them.
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The City of Milwaukee is getting $5.7 million in federal funds to help with emergency shelter during the ongoing pandemic. It's the second round of this type of funding to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 among some of our community's most vulnerable.
"This is going to allow us really to make more emergency shelters available for homeless individuals and families," said Mayor Tom Barrett. "It's going to allow us to better operate emergency shelters by providing food, rent, security, maintenance, supplies. It will also provide dollars for hotel and motel vouchers for homeless families and individuals, as well as essential services, including childcare and employment assistance."
Milwaukee County is putting $10 million in federal grant money towards mortgage assistance, housing initiatives, and eviction prevention.
County Executive David Crowley said the money will help at least 2,000 families facing eviction right now.
"Eighty percent of those enrolled in the eviction prevention program are African American, so not only do we have an opportunity to really focus on preventing Covid-19, but this is also making sure we're taking direct steps in the right direction as it relates to racial equity," Crowley said.
Beginning Thursday, the county housing division is working with the courts to offer assistance to landlords and tenants. The amount each household gets will vary on a case by case basis.