If you or someone you know is currently experiencing trouble paying their rent, help is available through the Chippewa County Housing Authority. Pre-applications are now available at the Housing Authority office located in Room 14 of the Courthouse at 711 Bridge Street Chippewa Falls. Applications must be picked up at the Courthouse, as they will not be mailed. The waiting list for assistance is currently between 12-18 months, with other county programs available as well.

In order to qualify for potential rental assistance, the Authority will confirm who lives with you along with income and other guidelines. So what if you can’t exactly wait for 12-18 months?

In that case there’s help via WESTCAP, with the number to apply at 715-265-4271 and office hours Monday through Friday of 8am to 4pm, extended on Tuesdays from 8 am to 7 pm. The web address for more information on what WESTCAP is and does is www.westcap. org, with emergency rental assistance among the offerings.

In order to apply, Applicants must have income loss or financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic, must be unable to pay their rent or be behind on it, or have an eviction notice.

Those applying through WESTCAP for emergency rental assistance must also be a Wisconsin adult with a household income at or below 80% of the county median in the month of or prior to the application date.

After applying through 715-265-4271 or emailing [email protected], those who show income documentation in line with the program requirements can receive up to 12 months of income assistance for lost income.

Unemployment does count as income, and mortgages do not apply. Landlords are encouraged to work directly with their tenants.

With homelessness often leading to a downward spiral from which it is hard to break out of, emergency rental assistance is available through WESTCAP for those most immediately affected by the COVID-pandemic. The curve might be turned on COVID, but the costs aren’t over. All together now.