Contact:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661
MADISON–Local governments, American Indian tribes, nonprofit and for-profit
corporations, and housing authorities that provide rental assistance and/or
home purchase assistance to low- and moderate-income households can apply
for $3 million in housing grant funds through the Housing Organization and
Direct Assistance Program (HODAP) Program, Department of Commerce (Commerce)
Secretary Cory L. Nettles announced today.
The application deadline is Feb. 7, 2005.
“This program can help low-income homebuyers and renters qualify for funding
assistance to upgrade their housing,” said Secretary Nettles.
Under the HODAP program, income-eligible homebuyers will be able to apply
for financial help with down payment, closing, and other costs that might
otherwise present a barrier to homeownership. Low-income renters can
qualify for security deposits, first/last month rent payments, and utility
costs. HODAP funds may not be used to pay for development or rehabilitation
costs. Funds are awarded through an annual competition.
HODAP applications are divided into three geographic areas for review and
funding:
Milwaukee Metro–serving households in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and/or
Washington counties;
Other Metro–serving households in Brown, Calumet, Chippewa, Dane, Douglas,
Eau Claire, Kenosha, La Crosse, Marathon, Outagamie, Racine, Rock, St.
Croix, Sheboygan, and/or Winnebago counties; and
Balance of State–serving households in the remaining 53 Wisconsin counties
Housing organizations and local governments can obtain application packets
by writing to: HODAP, Wisconsin Division of Community Development, P. O. Box
7970, Madison, WI 53707-7970, or calling 608-267-6905. The application
packet is also available on the Commerce Bureau of Housing website
(http://commerce.wi.gov/housing/cd-boh-Housing-Cost-Reduction-Initiative-HCR
I.html). Individuals seeking housing assistance should contact local housing
organizations. Individuals are not eligible to receive HODAP funds directly
from the Department.
Grant applications must be postmarked or hand delivered by February 7, 2005.
Awards will be announced in the spring of 2005. For more information on
Commerce housing programs, contact Marty Evanson, 608/267-0713.
