Addressing Homelessness through Housing First
2017 Assembly Bills 376, 377, 378, 379, and 380.
Homelessness is a serious problem in Wisconsin with more than 20,000 people in our state experiencing homelessness each year. Families with children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.
This package of bills would invest in evidence-based solutions to end and prevent homelessness in Wisconsin. The legislation focuses on allocating resources to programs and initiatives that keep people in their existing housing and quickly move those who are homeless into housing while providing necessary assistance to maintain their housing long-term.
Wisconsin’s neighboring Midwest states invest substantially more than Wisconsin to fight homelessness. Minnesota invests $44.3 million annually; Illinois spends $49.5 million; and Michigan spends $16.6 million each year. Wisconsin spends just $3.3 million annually in dedicated funding to fight homelessness, an amount that should at least be tripled to $10 million according to the Wisconsin Coalition Against Homelessness.
The Housing First package would triple Wisconsin’s investment in addressing homelessness and target funds to evidence-based best practices.
2017 Assembly Bill 376 would create an eviction-prevention program funded and administered by WHEDA. The program would provide assistance to keep families and individuals at risk of homelessness in their housing when a temporary financial crisis arises.
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2017 Assembly Bill 377 would increase funds available for housing grants by $2.5 million to fund Rapid Rehousing and Housing First programs that have been proven effective in keeping formerly homeless people in permanent housing.
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2017 Assembly Bill 378 directs the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority to study the use of social impact bonding and other mechanisms to fund the development of new affordable housing. The study must be completed by January 31, 2018 and should identify ways to increase the state’s supply of affordable housing stock.
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2017 Assembly Bill 379 would expand the availability of case management services to increase housing stability for formerly homeless families and individuals receiving housing vouchers.
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2017 Assembly Bill 380 would increase the number of housing choice vouchers for low-income families, seniors, and disabled individuals by 6,600 per year, helping to alleviate long waiting lists for rent assistance.
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