Several Chippewa Valley nonprofit groups were among the 54 recipients of $2 million worth of state grants for emergency shelter, transitional residences, and extremely low-income housing in Wisconsin communities.

The grants from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority Foundation were announced Dec. 26, and come from WHEDA reserves as well as federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

“Ensuring individuals have safe housing is essential to the health, wellness, and success of our kids and families, workers, and communities,” Gov. Tony Evers said in the grant announcement. “Everywhere we go, we hear about the need for reliable, affordable housing, and WHEDA and our state’s nonprofit housing partners have been critical to advancing this important work, especially for Wisconsinites who might need additional support. I was proud to provide additional support for these grants so we can continue to work together to create housing opportunities that help families and communities thrive.”

The Chippewa Valley recipients included the Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, which received $50,000 for rehabilitating entry doors, walkways, and parking areas on eight housing units in Eau Claire; Eau Claire County Housing Inc. received an identical amount for parking, entry pad, and curb work (including curb cuts for accessibility ramps) on 11 units in Fairchild; and the Western Dairyland Equal Opportunity Council received $9,790 to replace three furnaces at units in Eau Claire.

According to WHEDA, the $2 million in grants will create or improve 1,764 beds and housing units statewide. 

Administered by WHEDA – a state agency that helps finance affordable housing – the WHEDA Foundation grants improve housing for community members with complex needs, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, people experiencing intimate partner violence, those with incomes at or below 30% of the area median income, youth experiencing homelessness, and people with mental and behavioral health conditions.