WERA - Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance

Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council

Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) is a federally funded program for households experiencing income loss or financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are behind on rent and have lost income due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

$322 million is available to renters state-wide through WERA, and households will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. The State of Wisconsin Department of Administration is distributing these funds to local non-profits, including Western Dairyland.

Western Dairyland will begin accepting WERA applications on Monday, February 22^nd.

Eligibility

1.  Applicants must have income loss or financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Applicants must be unable to pay their rent, behind on rent, or have an eviction notice.
3. Applicants must be an adult Wisconsin resident with a household income at or below 80% of the county median income in the month of or prior to the application date. View the income guidelines here.
4. Western Dairyland EOC will administer this program in Eau Claire, Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson and Clark counties. Other counties will be administered by members of WISCAP, https://wiscap.org/wera/

Benefits

1. WERA can provide financial assistance for past-due rent, up to 12 months, going back to March 13^th, 2020 (widely viewed as the beginning of the pandemic).
2. The program may also be able to pay for three months of future rent.
3. Applicants will also be referred to additional community resources depending on their specific situation.

To Apply

1. For fastest service, apply online at westerndairyland.org/wera
2. Call Western Dairyland for more information:
   Eau Claire Office: 715-836-7511.

Read more about this article »