Movin’ Out launches new program to maintain housing stability

Movin’ Out moved quickly to expand our emergency funding program for eviction and foreclosure prevention to enable us to respond to the urgent needs of renters and homeowners in Dane County and across the state of Wisconsin facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On April 20, we were notified that we would receive $25,000 that we applied for from the United Way of Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund to add to our existing “Homestead” emergency fund. These funds are intended to help households who are struggling to maintain their housing due to COVID-19. Within 4 days, we opened the application process, and less than a week later, we mailed the first batch of checks totaling more than $9,000 to assist with rent and mortgage payments for 18 households.  Within 2 weeks of launching the program, we have distributed over $21,000 to help 45 households maintain stable housing.

Housing stability is a critical social determinant of health. Helping low-income households that include someone with a disability to maintain their housing is now more important than ever. People with disabilities are at even greater risk for harm as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people with disabilities have specific impairments or chronic conditions that could make the virus more dangerous for them. It may also be harder for people with disabilities to take steps to protect themselves. 

For example, some people with disabilities can not isolate themselves because they need supportive services from other people to do everyday self-care tasks. Stocking up on groceries could be difficult for some people with disabilities when shopping of any kind presents challenges. Many people with disabilities rely on others for transportation. For some, even cleaning their homes and washing their hands frequently can be extra difficult due to physical impairments, environmental barriers, or interrupted services. As explained by Human Rights Watch, for others, having a disability does not by itself put people at higher risk of infection, but they are in danger due to discrimination and barriers to information, social services, health care, social inclusion, and education.

We appreciate United Way of Dane County for mobilizing to support the community by making these emergency funds available. We are also deeply grateful to the Realtors Association of South Central Wisconsin for over 15 years of support for our Homestead Fund through annual fundraising events. The support of these organizations makes this happen:   

Dear Movin’ Out, 

I can’t begin to express what your gift means to me and my family. The financial assistance your program gave for rent payment most definitely was appreciated.

But more than the monetary value, I so greatly appreciate the thought behind the gift. This Covid 19 has been a burden for many, but your actions have really lightened the load. For that especially, I thank you.

This time has been difficult for me but knowing I have the support of people like you certainly helps. Please know I won’t forget your kind gesture. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,

RF

#powerofmanyworkingforall #unitedwayofdanecounty  #danecounty