Federal funds are being shifted by Milwaukee County officials as part of an effort to expand rental support for the homeless population. This initiative aims to redirect financial resources towards providing housing stability and supporting those in urgent need.
In a recent proposal, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, alongside the county’s Department of Health and Human Services, suggested reallocating $2.5 million from the federal HOME program to bolster the county’s tenant-based rental assistance program. This move is designed to offer “security deposits and up to two years of rental assistance” for individuals experiencing homelessness, as outlined in a county report.
According to the report, “Funds for rental assistance have been increasingly difficult to set aside for the purpose of reducing homelessness.” The significant rise in rental costs has prevented Milwaukee County from issuing new vouchers in 2026, as the program has reached its financial limit.
James Mathy, the housing administrator for Milwaukee County, highlighted the current “shortfall” in issuing new Section 8 vouchers. He stated, “So this money ($2.5 million) allows us to continue to increase permanent housing as we work to get out of that budget shortfall and hopefully start issuing new Section 8 vouchers next year.”
During a session of the Milwaukee County Committee on Community, Environment and Economic Development, Mathy emphasized that this reallocation represents “one of the largest homeless investments in the county’s history for a single use like this, for rental assistance.” He noted that the funds are intended for “vouchers for homeless individuals, particularly those living directly on the street.”
Mathy expressed optimism about other forms of rental assistance, stating, “We have other forms of rental assistance where we’re feeling pretty good about our situation in 2026, but without this action, in 2027 we would be pretty short on funds.” This sentiment was shared in an interview with WPR.
Executive David Crowley remarked that the strategy will, “connect unsheltered residents to housing and supportive services, putting them on a path toward stability, independence and a way forward.” He further emphasized the importance of maintaining Milwaukee County’s low unsheltered population per capita.
The program enables individuals to reside anywhere in the county, provided that rental prices are “reasonable and are within Federal HUD guidelines,” according to the county report.
The federal funds were initially designated for an affordable housing project in South Milwaukee, which is no longer progressing, as noted by Mathy. The county resolution confirms that this use of funds is “an eligible HOME activity,” though final approval from the full Milwaukee County Board is still pending.
Mathy also voiced concerns about upcoming federal policy changes, which could significantly affect the local homeless community. He stated, “There’s a shift at the federal level, focusing more on shelter and transitional housing, and not permanent housing, that’s going to dramatically increase homelessness in our community the way that we see it.” However, he expressed confidence that the reallocated funds would help maintain progress.
