New state action plan seeks more funds for homelessness, addressing racial inequities.

Report highlights

The new Interagency Council on Homelessness action plan prioritizes:

• Addressing racial inequity by continuing a Racial Equity Work Group begun in 2020; initiating a racial equity analysis of programs; data collection; creating a restorative housing program to encourage and preserve home ownership.
• Investments including increasing funds for the state Shelter Subsidy Program by $700,000 annually; creating a permanent housing rental assistance program for homeless veterans funded at $1 million annually; creating a homelessness diversion program funded at $1 million annually.
• Improving housing access through a new housing search assistance program funded at $600,000 annually; a new program offering small grants to landlords bringing affordable housing units online funded at $2 million annually; increasing the Housing Tax Credit Program level from $42 million to $100 million annually.
• Increasing housing stability by increasing Homelessness Prevention Program funding by $1 million annually; increasing Skills Enhancement Program funding by $250,000 annually; doubling homelessness case management services funding to $1 million annually; amending the state Medicaid plan to allow Medicaid to pay for housing services; supporting legislation to balance tenant and landlord rights.
• Data to develop a report on impacts of the pandemic on the homeless and response systems with recommendations for future disasters and pandemics; improved data sharing; creating a "data dashboard" on the homeless, those served and progress with the action plan.
• Better use of resources by increasing the Housing Assistance Program funding by $5 million annually; recommending the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority prioritize youth and families on the Housing Choice Voucher program list.
• Expanding partnerships by producing a report on the potential of social impact bonding, a partnership between private investors, local government and private agencies; better education; creating a landlord/property manager workgroup to promote renting to those experiencing homelessness; creating a workgroup of those who have experienced homelessness to review programs and strategies; creating a regional consortium with Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Michigan.