Source: City of Madison
Feb 4, 2025, 2:32 PM CST
MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – Madison and Dane County governments are downsizing a program that helps people stay in their homes because its federal funding is almost gone.
The city and county created the Eviction Diversion and Defense Partnership during the pandemic. Its goal is to support low-income renters and prevent them from getting evicted.
They can get help with rent payments, mediation services, and representation in court if needed. The partnership directs people to resources through the Tenant Resource Center, Community Justice Inc., Legal Action of Wisconsin and the UW Law Center.
Staff said since it was created, the EDDP has given $26 million worth of assistance to almost 3,000 renter households.
Now, their federal funding is drying up.
The Eviction Diversion and Defense Partnership has used most of its allocated funding. The rest of it needs to be spent by September 30, or it’ll have to be returned to the federal government.
Staff said when the money runs out sometime this summer, they won’t be able to help as many people, and won’t be able to provide the same level of support.
Through federal grants and leftover American Rescue Plan Act funds from the county, the Tenant Resource Center will get nearly $2 million to continue this work.
Staff plan to reevaluate how the program can still help people. They said anyone who needs rent assistance should apply by March 31.
