Housing Assistance & Resources

UW–Madison Extension Forest County connects residents with local, regional, and statewide programs that support safe, stable, and affordable housing. Resources may be available to assist with rent, mortgage payments, property taxes, home repairs, utilities, and homeownership.

The following programs serve Forest County residents, subject to eligibility requirements and funding availability.

Northeast Region Foundation for Rural Housing

The Northeast Region Foundation for Rural Housing provides financial assistance to eligible low-income households experiencing housing-related challenges.

Available assistance may include:

  • Rent and security deposits
  • Past-due mortgage payments and property taxes
  • Utility assistance
  • Foreclosure prevention counseling
  • Limited home repairs and other emergency household needs

Eligibility: Generally, households must meet income requirements of 125% of the Federal Poverty Level. Assistance is subject to available funding and program guidelines.

Website: https://www.neffrh.org/

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Program

The CDBG Housing Program helps eligible low- and moderate-income households make necessary improvements to their homes. Forest County participates in the Northwoods Housing Region, with program administration provided by BG & Associates. The Northwoods Housing Region offers 0% interest rehabilitation loans to eligible Forest County homeowners and landlords renting to low- and moderate-income tenants.

For owner-occupied homes, repayment is deferred until the property is sold, transferred, or vacated. Rental property loans require monthly repayment over a three- to seven-year period.

Available assistance may include:

  • Roof, siding, window, and structural repairs
  • Plumbing, electrical, and heating improvements
  • Septic system and well improvements
  • Accessibility and safety improvements
  • Rehabilitation of eligible rental properties

Program Administrator: BG & Associates, LLC
Contact: Kaytlin Gabrielson
Phone: 715-752-4620
Email: kgabrielson@bgandassociates.com
Website: https://bgandassociatesllc.wixsite.com/mysite

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Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)

The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households manage heating and electricity costs.

Available assistance may include:

  • Heating and electric bill assistance
  • Energy crisis assistance
  • Emergency furnace repair or replacement
  • Weatherization services to improve energy efficiency

Eligibility is based on household income, size, and program requirements.

Phone: 1-866-432-8947

Apply online: https://energybenefit.wi.gov/

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)

WHEDA offers programs designed to make homeownership more affordable for eligible Wisconsin residents.

Available resources may include:

  • Affordable mortgage financing
  • Down payment assistance
  • Homebuyer education
  • Homeownership counseling and lender referrals

WHEDA also supports affordable rental housing through financing and development programs.

Website: https://www.wheda.com/

Movin’ Out — Housing Assistance for People with Disabilities

Movin’ Out helps people with disabilities and their families access safe, affordable, and accessible housing.

Available resources may include:

  • Down payment assistance for eligible homebuyers
  • Homeownership education and counseling
  • Housing accessibility resources
  • Connections to affordable housing opportunities

Phone: 608-251-4446

Website: https://www.movin-out.org/

Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity — Rural Housing & Community Development

The Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity, part of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), connects rural communities, organizations, and developers with resources to address housing challenges and support community development.

Available resources may include:

  • Rural housing development tools and strategies
  • Funding and grant resource directories
  • Technical assistance and community development support
  • Resources for workforce housing and infrastructure development
  • Connections to state and federal housing programs

Website: https://ruralwi.com/

Housing Resource Directory: https://ruralwi.com/resource-directory/?_sft_program_category=housing&post_types=program

Wisconsin Housing Assistance Directory

The Wisconsin Department of Administration maintains a statewide directory of housing and energy assistance programs organized by county.

Residents can use the directory to identify additional programs serving Forest County, including housing rehabilitation, rental assistance, and homeownership resources.

Website: https://energyandhousing.wi.gov/Pages/CustomerResources/Assistance.aspx

Important Information

Programs have different eligibility requirements, application procedures, and funding availability. Residents should contact the administering organization directly to confirm current services and eligibility.

UW–Madison Extension Forest County provides educational information and connects residents with available resources but does not administer the programs listed above.

Last updated: October 2026