Winnebagoland Housing Coalition

February 2012 Agenda

2012-01-25T08:34:00.002-06:00

To access the agenda for the meeting February 1st, click here: February 2012 Agenda.

See you then!

February 2012 Rent Smart Workshop

2012-01-15T10:41:00.000-06:00

RENT SMART

Rent Smart is a two-part class that will be offered Monday, February 13th and Thursday, February 16th, 2012, from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm at Father Carr's Place 2B, located at 1965 Oshkosh Ave., Oshkosh, WI. Rent Smart is a tenant training program that provides practical education to help people acquire and maintain decent housing. Rent Smart emphasizes skills that can help tenants avoid legal confrontations. It stresses tenant responsibilities and the advantage of a quality landlord/tenant relationship opposed to an adversarial one.

Tenants learn about and practice skills that better prepare them for renting. By learning what’s expected up front, tenants can prepare ahead to demonstrate that they can be a good tenant.

To register or request further information on Rent Smart, please call the Winnebago County UW-Extension Office at (920) 232-1970. Additionally, you may download the full 2012 Rent Smart Workshop schedule here.

Free Tax Assistance Available at 2 Sites in Oshkosh

2012-01-04T13:14:00.002-06:00

Doing ones own taxes can be intimidating, but help is available at no charge through a community partnership. Again this year, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) will offer FREE tax help to individuals and families.
VITA is a partnership between the Winnebago County UW Extension, the Oshkosh Area United Way, the IRS, UW Oshkosh College of Business, Fox Valley Technical Collage, the Oshkosh Area Community Pantry and St. Vincent de Paul. VITA is a FREE program that utilizes trained and certified volunteers to prepare taxes for low to moderate-income individuals and families (generally those making $50,000 or below).

TCE is a partnership between the Oshkosh Seniors Center and the AARP Foundation. The target population for the AARP/Senior Center program is low to moderate income tax payers with special attention to those age 60 and older. Once again, trained volunteers provide free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation.
Appointments are required. For appointments, please call the Tax Assistance Help Line - hosted by the Oshkosh Area United Way - at 651-3060. The United Way will begin taking appointments on January 3, 2012.

The programs will begin February 2 and continue through April 13th.
The hours of operation will be:
Oshkosh Seniors Center, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:15 - 10:30 AM and 12:30 - 2:45 PM
Oshkosh Area Community Pantry, every Saturday from 9:15 AM - 1:00 PM, February 4 - March 31, and Monday evenings March 12 and 26 from 4:15 - 6:30 PM.
The Seniors Center is located at 234 Campbell Road, Oshkosh and the Oshkosh Area Community Pantry is located at 2551 N. Jackson Street at the St. Vincent de Paul location.

January 2012 Agenda

2011-12-28T14:49:00.003-06:00

You can access the January 4th 2012 agenda here:

January 2012 agenda

See you then!

Please note that we will be holding officer elections and that there will be a brief meeting for the Point In Time count following the meeting.

December 2011 Meeting Minutes

2011-12-28T11:48:00.000-06:00

Minutes from the December 2011 WHC meeting can be accessed here.

December 7, 2011 Meeting Agenda

2011-12-02T09:09:00.000-06:00

Access the Agenda here.

We will have special presentations from Ann Kriegel with Winnebago County DHS and Sue Panek with United Way.

See you on Wednesday!

Employment Opportunity at ADVOCAP-Fatherhood Project

2011-11-23T12:49:00.006-06:00

Employment Opportunity at ADVOCAP-shared by Tracy Berger

Manager of Responsible Fatherhood Project
ADVOCAP, Inc. is launching a new project in Wisconsin's Fond du Lac, Winnebago and Green Lake Counties to help low income, un- or underemployed fathers become more self sufficient. The Project Manager will orchestrate, deliver, and manage opportunities which result in responsible, engaged fathers who will have also gained important life and occupational skills, and employment.

This position will require supervisory, coordination and service skills of an experienced human services professional. The skills and knowledge to use the full range of ADVOCAP's services and those of the community in addressing participant goals is essential. Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver group training and facilitate support groups a plus.
Starting annual wage is mid-thirties with a full benefit package.

Resumes with cover letters including recent salary history received by12/14/11 will be given preference. Submit to ADVOCAP Inc., Human Resources, PO Box 1108, Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1108. Fax 920-922-7214 Email hr@advocap.org. AA/EOE

November 2011 Housing Coalition Minutes

2011-11-22T13:35:00.002-06:00

Download a copy of the Winnebagoland Housing Coalition's November 2011 minutes here as recorded by Kay Hetzel. Thanks Kay!

United Way's Employment & Help Guide

2011-11-04T09:07:00.012-05:00

Per Geralyn Mauer of the Oshkosh Area United Way, the "Employment and Help Guide" has been updated and is now available for use and distribution.

Download an electronic copy of the updated Employment & Help Guide here.

The Oshkosh Area United way also has "many copies of the guide" in their office at 36 Broad Street, Oshkosh WI. If you would like some to distribute to clients you may stop in to pick them up.

However if a large quantity is required Geralyn requests that you email or call ahead of time so that the quantity required is available when you arrive at their office.

Geralyn can be reached via email at oauw@oshkoshunitedway.org or phone at 235-8560

October 2011 Coalition Minutes

2011-11-04T08:33:00.003-05:00

A copy of the Winnebagoland Housing Coalition's October 2011 minutes can be accessed here for download and printing.

Employment Opportunity with Oshkosh Housing Authority

2011-10-27T09:17:00.001-05:00

Family Self Sufficiency Program Coordinator Job Announcement
10/20/2011

The Oshkosh / Winnebago County Housing Authority is hiring for the full-time, limited-term position of Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator. Wage range $17.50 - $19.25 per hour plus an excellent benefit package. This is a one-year, grant-funded position, with possibility for renewal contingent upon subsequent annual HUD funding.

Start date: Immediately

Submit cover letter and resume (attn. FSS):
- Mail: Oshkosh Housing Authority, PO Box 0397, Oshkosh WI, 54903
- Email: suv@ohawcha.org
- Fax: 920. 424.1474
- In Person: 600 Merritt Avenue, Housing Authority main office

Deadline: Accepting applications through November 5, 2011 or until position is filled.

Overview: The FSS Program Coordinator is responsible for the implementation of the Housing Choice Voucher Family Self Sufficiency program in compliance with regulations established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and procedures described in the HUD-approved agency FSS Action Plan. The position provides guidance, knowledge and management to the participants of the program and assists them in reaching their goal of becoming self-sufficient, stable and economically independent.

Work Responsibilities:

• Outreach and recruitment of potential FSS participants; Interviews and determines eligibility of applicants. ( 5% )

• Completes enrollment of families in the FSS program in order to achieve Housing Authority FSS goals and objectives. Assesses service needs of participants. Develops effective and individualized case management plans and goals for each participant related to becoming more self-sufficient, stable and economically independent. Identifies and collaborates with local service and program providers to help participants achieve their goals. ( 5% )

• Monitors client progress and coaches clients as required in order to enable them to become more self-sufficient and ultimately increase income. Activities may include home visits, accompanying participants to community sites, regular phone contact and meetings, and monthly newsletters ( 35% )

• Ensures that all agency FSS goals and objectives are met or exceeded. Monitors and documents progress of FSS clients to ensure that the Authority is providing an effective FSS program. Enters and tracks data in computer. Maintains detailed case management notes in files/computer for each participant. Assists in preparing and maintaining accurate and timely FSS reports. Assists in the completion of annual FSS grant applications and reporting. (25% )

• Schedules, coordinates and locates speakers for regular FSS meetings and workshops. Recruits members for and facilitates Program Coordinating Committee meetings. Interacts with other HCV, Homeownership and other staff to deliver effective case management and service to participants. Maintains all program policies and procedures. Annually evaluates FSS Program to increase its effectiveness. Monitors and implements FSS Regulations and FSS best practices in the FSS field. (20% )

• Collaborates with Housing Choice Voucher team on program compliance ( 10% )

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in social work, human services, counseling, or related field.

• Professional Experience: Two or more years of experience in direct case management or similar experience working with low-income families. Experience with program management, community organizing, adult development/ services or similar experience desired.

• Knowledge of Winnebago County community/nonprofit agencies highly desired. Knowledge of disability work program requirements preferred.

• Strong computer skills required.

• Extremely strong organizational, verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills required. Must have experience and desire to work with persons of diverse cultural, economic and educational backgrounds.

• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license required.

The Oshkosh / Winnebago County Housing Authority is an equal opportunity employer.

November 2011 Agenda

2011-10-26T10:00:00.002-05:00

Click here for the agenda on Wednesday November 2nd:
November 2011 Agenda

Please note there will be a brief meeting afterward regarding the Point In Time Count in January.

We'll see you all at the new Day By Day Warming Shelter!

Fox Cities Money Conference November 5th!

2011-10-25T10:27:00.003-05:00

Asset Builders and many sponsors and community partners from the Fox Cities area and around the state will present the ninth-annual Fox Cities Money Conference on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton. Registration and continental breakfast begin at 7:30 am, with the program lasting from 8:30am until 3:15pm.

The Conference is a nonprofit event and there is no selling or pressure to buy any financial products – the goal of the event is to teach participants how to improve their financial situation. Richard Entenmann of Asset Builders said “the Conference offers high-quality education in an unbiased and fun atmosphere. Things that people learn here can have substantial “pocket-book” results in the short term, and can lead to higher net worth and income levels in the future.”

Maung Win of FISC and the author of Winning Ways for Life, will be the luncheon keynote speaker. Mr. Win will teach Conference participants how to manage their cash flow efficiently, and will provide a roadmap for achieving personal and financial goals that will put Conference-goers on the path to financial independence. Mr. Win has a BS in Chemical Engineering, MS in Management and is a CFP® certificant, with over 25 years of successful investment experience

Alan Prahl of FISC will be the morning keynote speaker, and will present “20 Ways to Save Money in 20 Minutes.” Alan will share tips about how Conference-goers can stretch their money, reduce expenses, and still live a comfortable life, and will expand on this presentation in a subsequent classroom workshop.

The family-friendly Conference has more than 20 separate 1-hour classroom sessions for adults, on topics such as How to Read Your Credit Report and Fix Your Credit; Meals in a Flash for Less Cash; How to Have More Month than Money For a Change; and Love and $$ - a Relationship Challenge. Classes for youth include topics such as Let’s Eat at George’s, Comparison Shopping…the Right Way, Interview Tips and more.

The Conference features three one-hour sessions in Spanish and in Hmong, plus
• childcare for children between the ages of 2 and 6 (advance reservations required)
• continental breakfast and lunch
• a free copy of each participant’s credit report with credit score
• door prizes throughout the day

Advance registration is $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for youth between the ages of 6 and 18. Registration at the door is $7.00 for adults and $3.50 for youth between the ages of 6 and 18.

Asset Builders, a Wisconsin non-profit organization with a mission of promoting financial education and wealth-building strategies to enhance the quality of life of low-income youth, families and communities, has won two Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards for its outstanding work in promoting financial literacy.

For more information and to register --
• call Jean Lenz of Fox Valley Technical College at 920 735 5681
• call Richard Entenmann of Asset Builders at 866 304 6896 (toll-free)
• visit www.assetbuilders.org.

VA Foreclosure Prevention Information

2011-10-25T10:26:00.000-05:00

Access the guide here.

Energy Assistance Brochure

2011-10-10T08:34:00.003-05:00

Betty Miller, Program Services Manager of Energy Services, Inc joined us during our September meeting.

Betty has shared a PDF version of their brochure for this assistance season in case anyone missed the meeting, and is seeking this information.

Access the Energy Assistance Brochure here.

Questions? You can reach Betty Miller at 231-0600.
The appointment number for clients is 800-506-5596.

Southern Winnebago Life Study

2011-10-07T12:56:00.004-05:00

The LIFE Study is the most complete source for information about socio-economic conditions in Brown, Outagamie, Calumet and Winnebago counties. This report provides a broad view of the trends, strengths and challenges for the entire Fox River region by examining 10 key indicators for economic, physical and emotional wellbeing.

The Southern Winnebago County LIFE Study was released this morning (10/7) during a presentation at the Oshkosh Convention Center.

The following reports can be accessed off of the LIFE Study website at: http://www.lifestudy.info/
1) 2011 LIFE Study Regional Report
2) Southern Winnebago County LIFE Study Report
3) Southern Winnebago County LIFE Study Executive Summary

The LIFE Study was sponsored by the U.S. Venture Fund for Basic Needs, the Oshkosh Area United Way and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation.

Day By Day Contact Information

2011-10-06T14:03:00.000-05:00

Please note that communication concerning Day by Day Warming Shelter should be sent to shelteroshkosh@gmail.com. Both Executive Director Angie McCarthy and President of the Board Tina Haffeman will receive the messages. The shelter is scheduled to open on Monday, October 17.

Salvation Army Holiday Services Information

2011-10-06T12:27:00.003-05:00

Upcoming Holiday services offered by the Salvation Army includes:
Coats for Kids, Thanksgiving Meal Box, Christmas Meal Box, Christmas Toy Store, and Adopt a Family.

For more information about sign up requirements download the informational sheet distributed by Captain Don Karl on 9/26/11 at the Collaboration workgroup.

October 2011 WHC Agenda

2011-09-29T09:41:00.003-05:00

October 2011 WHC agenda is available here.

We'll see you on Wednesday.

Day By Day Warming Shelter Needs Volunteers

2011-09-27T08:03:00.000-05:00

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
The Day by Day Warming Shelter will be opening its doors on October 17th. Located in downtown Oshkosh, this facility will be open mid October through mid-April, seven days a week from 8 pm - 8 am.

The shelter is in need of volunteers to help in various ways. One area of need is volunteer groups to make ready to serve meals and deliver them to the shelter between 7:00 – 7:45 each night. Meals need to be available to guests from 8:00 – 9:00. Specific directions on how to volunteer for a meal are available.

Volunteers are also needed to supervise shifts with staff overnight. Shifts are 7-10 pm, 10 pm – 1 am, 1 – 4 am, and 4 – 8 am. Duties may include guest orientation, clean up, breakfast-in-a-bag prep, laundry general staff assistance.

For more information on the shelter or how you can help, please visit the website at www.warmingshelter.com.

To sign up for volunteering, please call 920.203.4536 or email to shelteroshkosh@gmail.com. Thank you!

Giving Help & Hope…Day by Day.

GET CHECKING October 11, 2011

2011-09-26T10:13:00.002-05:00

Get Checking will be offered Tuesday, October 11, 2011, from 6:00-9:00PM at UW Credit Union located at 748 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh, WI. The educational program can help those such as young adults who have not yet opened a checking account, or provide a fresh start to consumers who have had past problems with their account. Consumers, who successfully complete the course, receive a certificate that they may take to any of the participating financial institutions and an account is opened under agreed-upon conditions.

Participating Winnebago County Financial Institutions include: M & I Bank, Citizens First Credit Union, Capital Credit Union, Community First Credit Union, UW Credit Union, and Wells Fargo Bank.

Pre-registration is requested by calling the Winnebago County UW-Extension office at 920-232-1970 or e-mail kristi.cutts@ces.uwex.edu. Also, registration brochures are available at participating financial institutions and the Winnebago County UW-Extension office in Oshkosh. Please note the cost of attending the class is $20 per person.

Fair Housing in the News-9/12/11

2011-09-19T14:10:00.003-05:00

A UWEX Colleague pointed out that there was an article in the Oshkosh Northwestern about a recent fair housing case on the western side of the state.

I thought that you all might have an interest so decided to add it to the blog.

To read the 9/12/11 Northwestern article about LaCrosse landlord Darlene Dovenberg click here.

Fox Cities Money Conference Coming this November!

2011-09-16T15:00:00.002-05:00

The Fox Cities Money Conference aims to provide affordable, high-quality, and unbiased financial education in a setting that is fun and inspirational for all.

This year's event will be on Saturday November 5, 2011 at the Fox Valley Technical College campus in Appleton.

The conference includes-
Inspirational speakers
Free continental Breakfast and Lunch
Free copy of your credit report
Free Parking

Download the flyer with further event details and registration information here.

September 2011 Minutes from Kay Hetzel

2011-09-16T14:48:00.003-05:00

Kay Hetzel emailed the September minutes out to the coalition group on Tuesday 9/13.
Access a copy of the minutes for download and printing here.

Kay also emailed out a correction to the minutes requested by Chris LaSchock of the Fox Cities Emergency shelter which reads as follows:

Emergency Shelter- Debra Cronmiller has completed her position. The Board will begin the search for a new executive director. Housing First has lost its funding and has disbanded. Partner agencies COTS, Housing Partnership, and Ryan Community stepped forward and has found funding to help maintain housing for those in the Housing First Program.

Day by Day Warming Shelter Open House

2011-09-15T11:50:00.000-05:00

You are invited to an Open Housing honoring the opening of Day by Day Warming Shelter. The event is scheduled for Thursday, October 13, 2011 in the lower level of the gym building at Most Blessed Sacrament, 449 High Avenue, Oshkosh.

Refreshments and tours start at 6pm, which a brief program at 6:30pm for partners (the program is not open to the general public). Contact Tina at 920.235.5918 with additional questions.

To access the invite notice, click here.

US Homeless Trends

2011-09-15T06:01:00.000-05:00

USICH has published a new Homeless Trends document.

Fair Housing Trainings October 2011

2011-09-14T10:34:00.000-05:00

October 2011 Fair Housing Trainings in Oshksoh and Appleton. To access the flyer, CLICK HERE.

Call 920-560-4620 to register!

This free seminar will assist you in implementing your rental property practices in compliance
with fair housing laws. Seminar topics include:

Local, state and federal fair housing laws
Advertising units in compliance with fair housing law
Non-discriminatory negotiation with prospective tenants
Interacting with current tenants in a fair and legal manner
Reasonable accommodations and modifications for tenants with disabilities

Follow Up to Todd Lowe Presentation on COTS

2011-09-13T11:38:00.003-05:00

Click here for the link to the website for Community Outreach Temporary Services (COTS) in Appleton: http://appletoncots.org/

Questionnaires for Eastern Balance of the State Continuum of Care Board Position

2011-09-12T10:33:00.003-05:00

To access the Questionnaires for Eastern Balance of the State Continuum of Care Board position click below. Please review and be prepared to make a vote at the Coalition meeting October 5th.

Brent Wojnowski: Nomination Questionnaire Brent Wojnowski

Chris Lashock: Nomination Questionnaire Chris Lashock

September Agenda

2011-09-01T08:21:00.002-05:00

To access the agenda for the September 2011 meeting, click here.

Court Tower Renovation to Move Forward with Tax Credit Award

2011-08-31T08:13:00.004-05:00

Source: http://www.thenorthwestern.com/
Jeff Bollier of the Northwestern reports:

The Oshkosh Housing Authority has been awarded $8.8 million in federal tax credits that it plans to use to finance the first half of renovations to the 156-unit Court Tower complex.

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority awarded the credits for the Court Tower project earlier this year and Oshkosh Housing Authority Executive Director Brad

Masterson said he believes the size of the award could be increased if WHEDA has unsold tax credits returned to it in late 2011 or early 2012.

The project would renovate the building’s interior to convert three existing apartments into two new ones, reducing the number of units from 156 to about 100.

After the renovations, Court Tower would also become housing for people age 50 and up instead of the present mix of elderly and disabled or handicapped residents.

As the project takes shape, the housing authority would identify properties it could renovate and use to relocate Court Tower residents and to make up for the reduction in apartments at Court Tower.

Masterson said residents who already live at Court Tower would retain the right to stay there, but Masterson said the housing authority would offer incentives to move tenants to replacement housing in other areas of the community.

During the authority’s bi-monthly meeting Monday, Masterson told the board of directors that construction would likely begin in spring once the authority arranges to sell the credits to a private equity firm. He told board members five firms have already expressed an interest in buying the credits for more than 80 cents for each dollar of credits, a rate about 20 cents higher than was paid on previous projects the housing authority financed with WHEDA credits.

Under the WHEDA program, the firm or individual that buys the tax credits from the authority would take ownership of the 37-year-old building as renovations began. The buyer/developer maintains ownership until they use all the tax credits, usually over several years. The housing authority keeps the right to operate and lease the complex during that period.

The programs are attractive to equity firms and investors because they can use them to offset federal tax liabilities on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

The credits the authority has received only cover half of the projected renovation costs, so Masterson said the housing authority plans to file another application with WHEDA in 2012 to secure the remaining credits needed to finance the project.

This was the third year in a row the Oshkosh Housing Authority had applied for WHEDA tax credits to finance Court Tower renovations. WHEDA did not approve the project application in 2010 and the organization had to return $26.5 million in credits awarded in 2009 after it could not find a buyer.

Federal CDBG Allocation Falls $145,000 this Year

2011-08-30T16:06:00.002-05:00

Source: www.thenorthwestern.com
Jeff Bollier of the Northwestern reports:

The city of Oshkosh cut nearly all funds for a program to buy, raze and redevelop blighted property in the central city area as part of a $145,000 reduction in federal Community Development Block Grant dollars this year.

The city was notified earlier this year to prepare for its $920,000 allocation to be cut by up to 16 percent, which reduces the city's projected CDBG allocation from $920,000 to $775,000.
Oshkosh Principal Planner Robin Leslie said the city cut funds in central city development and community facilities programs from $122,000 to $31,000, almost all of which is used to buy blighted property, raze it, clean up the site and prepare it for redevelopment.

Leslie said central city redevelopment was an easy program to cut because it does not directly benefit low and moderate income families, as is required for a majority of the CDBG funds allocated to the city. The program will be continued using funds left over from previous years.

"We've been supplementing the central city fund for quite a few years so we were comfortable enough lowering it as much as we could," Leslie said. "Money from past years means we won't have to stop it entirely."

Other CDBG budget cuts include:
»A $10,000 new allocation for the Fair Housing Center of Northeast Wisconsin;

»An administrative allocation to the Oshkosh Housing Authority for the first-time homebuyer program it offers will be reduced from $17,000 to $8,500. It will not affect the program or homebuyer assistance, though;

»Administrative and salary allocations from $168,000 to $140,00 since administration and planning costs can only account for 20 percent of the total allocation. And

»General public services allocations — grants to community nonprofits that provide services in the Oshkosh area — from $108,000 to $93,200.

Leslie said the general public services allocation cuts will be spread evenly over all agencies that receive grants. The grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 and go to programs such as the Christine Ann Center for Domestic Abuse Services, ADVOCAP, the Tri-County Community Dental Clinic and the Winnebago Conflict Resolution Center.

Leslie said the reductions avoid major cuts to the core CDBG programs of home and rental rehabilitation, neighborhood initiatives and the Oshkosh Seniors Center funding. Leslie added that the city already expects another cut to its funding in federal fiscal year 2012 that could affect those programs or cut public services allocations even further.

"We wanted to preserve those programs we've been doing for years as much as possible," Leslie said. "Next year, we may have to cut further and it might come down to a choice between cutting housing rehabilitation or cutting further into our public services funding."

August 2011 Coalition Meeting Minutes

2011-08-30T10:33:00.000-05:00

Download a copy of the August 3, 2011 minutes as recorded by Kay Hetzel.

Habitat for Humanity Looking for Volunteers

2011-08-24T10:07:00.000-05:00

Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh is looking for volunteers to help August 25th to finish deck work and prep walls and August 27th to help with wall layout. Habitat is looking for 8 -10 volunteers for both days.

Habitat is currently partnering with Thrivent Builds, constructing a home on 213 Prospect Ave. Many volunteer opportunities are available to help build a home for a local family in need.

Volunteer days will be almost every Thursday and Saturday starting August 25th and going through the end of November. Work days start at 9 am and can last until 3 pm. Experienced site supervisors will be on site to train volunteers. Volunteer positions include general crew members, crew leaders, site hosts and lunch providers. Group and individual opportunities are available. There are restrictions regarding youth volunteers. For more information and specific dates, visit our website at www.habitatoshkosh.org or contact Beka at (920) 235-3535 or rsmith@habitatoshkosh.org.

Habitat partners with Thrivent Builds to help individuals achieve greater economic independence through the building of decent, simple, affordable homes. Building these homes is more than just lumber and nails, its sweat and smiles, earned through hard work and working for a greater purpose. There are many ways for you to help, and they dont all involve swinging hammers. Contact Habitat today to find out what you can do to help.

Nation's Top 10 Consumer Complaints

2011-08-22T14:02:00.002-05:00

The Consumer Federation of America, the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators, and the North American Consumer Protection Investigators recently conducted a survey of thirty-one agencies to assess the most common, fastest growing, and worst consumer compaints received last year.

Landlord/Tenant complaints came in at #8. “Unhealthy or unsafe conditions, failure to make repairs or provide promised amenities, deposit and rent disputes, illegal eviction tactics.”

Access the full article here.

Public Housing Agencies and Homelessness

2011-08-17T17:44:00.000-05:00

The Role of Public Housing Agencies in Preventing and Ending Homelessness - Webinar from August 11, 2011 facilitated by USICH

Wisconsin Public Service Needs Your Help!

2011-08-11T15:38:00.006-05:00

A message from Wisconsin Public Service that may be of interest to you:

Dear Community Partner,

Help Us Help Those In Need! Every winter, those living on limited or fixed incomes face a challenge: paying their heating bills. For young and old alike, higher heating bills can make it difficult —sometimes impossible — to keep up.

During these tough economic times, Wisconsin Public Service wants to reach out to those in need in our communities. We want help our customers stay current with their energy bills, reduce their energy costs and stay safe this heating season. However, we recognize that we cannot do this alone. This is why we are asking for your help.

If your organization publishes a newsletter, we ask that you please consider including one or more of the short articles provided below. Together, we can help everyone stay warm and safe this winter. Thank you in advance for your community efforts.
Sincerely,
Kelly T Zagrzebski
Leader Community Relations Wisconsin Public Service
715-848-7342
ktzagrzebski@wisconsinpublicservice.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WPS ENERGY ASSISTANCE ARTICLES

Call for Help with Energy Bills

If you’re concerned about keeping up with energy bills, a call to Wisconsin Public Service can be the answer. Working with WPS upfront can prevent you from falling behind. WPS can help you with billing plans, assistance programs, special payment arrangements and more.

Additionally, you are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. WPS can provide information on energy assistance programs that will pay a portion of your winter heating costs if you qualify. Call 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-450-7260.

Need Help with Heating Bills?

January and February are among the winter’s coldest months, and for many, keeping up with heating bills becomes increasingly difficult. If you’re having trouble paying your bill, give Wisconsin Public Service a call.

WPS offers payment and billing options, payment arrangements and other solutions that can make paying your energy bill a little easier.

Additionally, you are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. WPS can provide information on energy assistance programs that will pay a portion of your home heating costs if you qualify. Call 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-450-7260.

WPS GIFT CERTIFICATES ARTICLE

Wish Someone a Warm Holiday

Consider giving the gift of warmth this holiday season to an area family in need. Energy Gift Certificates from Wisconsin Public Service are unique, practical and welcomed by people of all ages. They’re perfect for the coming holidays or any occasion for that matter. Your family, friends and neighbors will remember you warmly, every month.

To order yours, visit our website at wisconsinpublicservice.com or call 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-450-7260. If you’d like your Energy Gift Certificates to arrive in time for Christmas, be sure to order no later than December 12, 2011.

NEW-UWEX Housing Webpage

2011-08-09T08:37:00.002-05:00

The University of Wisconsin Extension Cooperative Extension Family Living Program has just released a new housing webpage. You may want to add this page to your favorites so that you have handy access to the wealth of information and resources contained on the site. Of particular interest is a series titled "About the House" written by Professor John Merrill of UW Madison/UW Extension Specialiast. "About the House" provides answers to common home care problems. Visit http://fyi.uwex.edu/house/ to check it out!

Get Checking Workshop

2011-08-09T08:28:00.000-05:00

Get Checking will be offered Wednesday, August 24, 2011 from 6:00-9:00PM at Wells Fargo Bank located at 931 S. Green Bay Rd., Neenah, WI. The educational program can help those such as young adults who have not yet opened a checking account, or provide a fresh start to consumers who have had past problems with their account. Consumers who successfully complete the course, receive a certificate that they may take to any of the participating financial institutions and an account is opened under agreed-upon conditions.

Participating Winnebago County Financial Institutions include: M & I Bank, Citizens First Credit Union, Capital Credit Union, Community First Credit Union, Wells Fargo (Neenah) and UW Credit Union (located in Reeve Memorial Union on the UWO Campus).

For more information about Get Checking call Kristi Cutts, Family Living Educator at
920-232-1973. Pre-registration for this workshop is requested. Download a registration brochure here.

Foreclosure and Tenant Move Out

2011-08-04T05:59:00.000-05:00

Following up todays discussion, here is a post regarding tenant rights at the time of foreclosure.

According to the article:

"According to federal law, tenants who pay their rent ordinarily have the right to stay until the end of their lease or for at least 90 days after the foreclosure process ends, whichever is longer"

Continue reading here.

Convoy of Hope

2011-08-03T11:27:00.001-05:00

The information below came through the Collaboration WorkGroup List Serve.
This may be of interest to you and of assistance to clients that you may work with.

Convoy of Hope is more than a handout - it's a hand up .

On Sat. October 8th, Convoy of Hope will deliver much needed services and supplies to those in need throughout the Fox Cities at the Appleton Campus of Fox Valley Technical College beginning at 10 am. Those in need can receive medical and dental care, groceries, haircuts, job counseling and a message of hope.

For more information: www.convoyofhopefoxcities.org.

Rent Smart Class offered August 16th & August 18th

2011-08-03T07:25:00.000-05:00

Reminder:
Rent Smart will be held in Oshkosh on August 16th and August 18th from 9:00AM-12:00 Noon at Father Carr's Place 2B (Mother Theresa Center building), located at 1965 Oshkosh Ave., Oshkosh WI 54901.

Please have persons interested in attending this workshop call the UW Extension office at 232-1973 to register.

Access the full 2011 Rent Smart schedule for download/printing here.

Thank you for your assistance!

Free Training on Homeless LGBTQ Youth Opportunity in Chicago

2011-08-02T04:30:00.002-05:00

WHAT: SAMHSA, through the Homelessness Resource Center (HRC), is excited to announce a new training opportunity designed to advance best practices among service providers and communities working with youth experiencing homelessness who self identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, and Two-Spirited (LGBTQI2-S).

WHERE: The HRC has identified four cities around the country to participate in this learning opportunity. The Howard Brown Health Center has been selected as a site, and will be hosting a FREE TRAINING at DePaul University Loop Student Center (1 E. Jackson Suite 8003, Chicago, IL 60604) in rooms 8005, 8009, 8014.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the training will start promptly at 9:00 a.m.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Our goal is to bring together community agencies and providers to participate in a dialogue on effective strategies for working with youth experiencing homelessness who self-identify as a gender or sexual minority. Service providers will receive training in best practices and foster a communication plan for on-going learning and support within your community.

REGISTRATION: Registration for the each is open to only 80-participants. In order to reserve your seat, please contact Diana Ghattas at dghattas@center4si.com for a registration form.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please contact Ms. Diana Ghattas (dghattas@center4si.com) at the Homelessness Resource Center.

Revised August Agenda

2011-07-29T15:53:00.002-05:00

To access the revised August agenda, click here:
Revised August Agenda

Day By Day Warming Shelter Director Position

2011-07-29T10:45:00.000-05:00

Employment Opportunity with the new Warming Shelter opening in Oshkosh this Fall. Below is the announcement. Those interested in learning more about warming shelters can check out the website for the Fox Cities Warming Shelter (note to avoid any confusion, this is not an opening with the Fox Cities agency):

~~~

Executive Director

Day by Day Warming Shelter

Location: Oshkosh WI

Employee Type: Salaried (full time/part time)

Industry: Not for profit – Charitable

Manages Others: Yes

Job Type: Executive/Management

Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Experience: 5 years in Human Services field preferred.

Description:

The Day by Day Warming Shelter in Oshkosh, WI is seeking an Executive

Director for newly established warming shelter serving the needs of the

homeless. Bachelor’s degree preferred with experience in the human services

field. Proven leadership and excellent communication skills required.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities of the position include:

 Overall management of the shelter.

 Staff and volunteer recruitment and training.

 Develop and maintain policy and procedures.

 Use innovation and creative ideas to develop and enhance programming.

 Maintain effective communication with Board of Directors.

 Work with Board of Directors to coordinate fund raising, public relations

and grant writing.

 Fiscal responsibly for operations.

 Liaison to community including membership on the Winnebago County

Housing Coalition.

 Maintains a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse staff of

top quality people.

Requirements:

 Ability to work independently.

 Demonstrates a high level of personal and ethical standards.

 Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and nights.

 Strong organization skills.

 Valid Wisconsin driver’s license.

 Pass a preliminary drug screen and criminal background check.

 Computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel.

Interested candidates please email résumé and salary expectations to shelteroshkosh@gmail.com

August 2011 Coalition Meeting Agenda

2011-07-19T10:33:00.000-05:00

Access the August 3, 2011 meeting agenda here.

Point In Time Survey Letter

2011-07-19T09:31:00.001-05:00

Balance of State Continuum of Care – Point in Time Survey

Data from July 27, 2011

By August 8, 2011 return this form with data collected on July 27, 2011 to:

Brent Wojnowski, ADVOCAP, Inc., Fond du Lac, WI 54936

(920) 922-7214 (fax) or email brentw@advocap.org

Your Organization’s Name: ______________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________________

Service Area/County(ies):___________________________________

Contact Person: ________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: ___________________________ E-mail: _____________________________________

No homeless persons were identified. ____________________________

Table 1: Emergency Shelter & Motel Vouchers

Category	Persons Served – Number of persons in your emergency shelter or with motel vouchers on July 27	Turn Away – Number of persons you had to turn away from shelter or motel vouchers on July 27.
Households with children
Persons in households w/children (count all persons in the household )
Households without children
Number of persons in households without children

Table 2: Transitional Housing

Category	Persons Served – Number of persons in your transitional housing on July 27	Turn Away - Number of persons you had to turn away on July 27
Households with children
Persons in households w/children (count all persons in the household)
Households without children
Number of persons in households without children

Table 3: Unsheltered Homeless Persons (streets, parks, cars, campers, etc.)

Category	Persons – Number of unsheltered homeless persons you counted on July 27
Households with children
Persons in households w/children (count all persons in the household)
Households without children

Table 4: Of all the people included in the Tables 1 & 2, how many are in the following categories?

Category	Subpopulations Served – How many of the persons you served on July 27 in shelter, with motel vouchers or in transitional housing were in any of the following categories?
Seriously Mentally Ill
Chronic Substance Abuse
Veterans
Persons with HIV/AIDS
Victims of Domestic Violence
Unaccompanied Youth (I.e. runaways)

Table 5: Of all the people included in Tables 1 & 3, how many are in the following categories?

Point In Time Survey Letter

2011-07-19T09:26:00.004-05:00

Dear Organization Representative:

The State of Wisconsin collects information regarding homeless individuals on an annual basis. The state is asking us to perform another "point in time" survey on Wednesday, July 27 to determine the extent of homelessness in our area as part of a statewide “census” on homelessness.

Your organization has been identified as one which may come into contact with homeless individuals and homeless families on that day. Please route this letter to whoever would most likely collect information on homeless individuals or families identified.

How funding is allocated for homeless activities to the state and within the state is in part determined by the outcomes of these surveys. Please take a few minutes of your valuable time to fill out the enclosed form.

ADVOCAP is part of an area-wide continuum of care which provides services to the homeless. ADVOCAP has agreed to take a lead role in conducting this homeless survey in Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Southern Winnebago counties. We realize that not every agency that receives this form will come into contact with a homeless individual or family on July 27th. Even if you do not come into contact with a homeless person, please complete and return the form.

If you do identify a homeless person or family on that day, please also indicate the area where the person was identified, (i.e. park, car, etc) so that we can identify those areas where the homeless may reside. If the homeless person was referred to a shelter, please make note of that as well.

I will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding this form or the survey in general. Also, please feel free to add any comments you may have regarding homeless persons served or needs that exist.

Please return this form by Monday, August 8 either by e-mail, fax or mail (see contact information below)

Your participation in this survey is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,

Brent Wojnowski

ADVOCAP, Inc

19 W. 1st St

Fond du Lac, WI 54936

(920) 922-7760 ext. 3584

(920) 922-7214 (fax)

brentw@advocap.org

Cost of Bad Lending in Wisconsin

2011-07-18T17:20:00.000-05:00

Access this fact sheet from the Center for Responsible Lending for "a snapshot of foreclosures in Wisconsin and the high price of abusive overdraft fees, 400% payday loans, and kickbacks on car loans."

Foreclosure Prevention Efforts in Winnebago County and region

2011-07-18T17:16:00.001-05:00

Winnebago County has a number of scattered foreclosure prevention programs, highlighted by FISC's efforts, the recent Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program administed by Homestead Solutions (pre-apps due July 22), and the recent forclosure prevention program organized in the Valley this past June.

I noticed that Dane County has a group dedicated to the issue and a companion website (http://daneforeclosurehelp.org/). Based upon a brief review, it appears as though they are doing much of the same work that is happening in our area, but possibly with more publicity and consistency, which may produce results including greater outreach and connection to households at risk for this issue.

PIT count in Appleton Area

2011-07-15T08:26:00.000-05:00

Message received from Chris Lashock with the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley:

I am still in need of agency staff members willing to lead a group for the (Appleton Area) Point in Time Count on July 27th. The main shifts I need coverage on are the midnight-3am and 3am-6am shifts. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness of homelessness and housing issues in the community with the volunteers you will be leading into the community!

Please contact me as soon as possible if you are willing and able to help on the 27th.

I thank you all in advance for your time!

Chris Lashock

Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley

920-734-9192

Tenant Resource Center Cut Backs

2011-07-14T08:39:00.001-05:00

The Tenant Resource Center is cutting staff back and potentially ending services outside of Dane County as a result of the loss of federa land state funding sources. According to director Brenda Konkel, " People outside Dane County can still call the center's toll-free number at 1-877-238-RENT, but return calls will be delayed by a week or more".

You can also visit their website at www.tenantresourcecenter.org/

Water calculator shows Wisconsin residents how much money is going down the drain

2011-07-08T14:43:00.000-05:00

Many people are literally throwing money down the drain by using older less-efficient showerheads or toilet fixtures. But a new water cost and savings calculator developed by UW-Extension’s Center for Watershed Science and Education and UW-Stevens Point lets Wisconsin residents that rely on community water systems see how much money they are wasting--and how much they could save through increased water use efficiency.

"What most people served by municipal water systems don’t realize, is that in addition to a standard service connection fee, there is often a water and a sewer fee associated with every drop of water used," says Kevin Masarik, UW-Extension groundwater educator with the Central Wisconsin Groundwater Center.

Water and sewer fees are variable from community to community, making it difficult to develop tools for homeowners to see how much they could save by installing more efficient water fixtures. "Add in energy costs needed to heat water for taking a shower and people may be surprised at how much some of these everyday activities actually cost over the course of a year," says Masarik.

For an activity like showering, which accrues water and sewer fees, as well as energy costs associated with heating water, it can be difficult to quantify a cost, but most people assume the amount is small. The costs may seem even less significant because the bills are divided into monthly or quarterly statements; however when you add them all up over the course of the year, they can be significant.

The new water calculator allows homeowners to easily see how much money could be saved annually through increased efficiency. For example, a family of four in the City of Fond du Lac with an older showerhead and an electric hot water heater could save over $300 per year by simply installing a 1.25-gallon-per-minute showerhead.

"For many families these days, that extra money can go a long way towards paying the bills or putting food on the table," says Masarik. Who stands to gain most from installing more efficient water fixtures? "The more people living under the same roof, the more a household stands to gain," Masarik explains.

Households with electric hot water heaters will see more savings than those with a gas hot water heater since it generally is more expensive to heat water with electricity. Replacing an inefficient showerhead offers quicker monetary savings than replacing an old toilet. Certain communities will see greater savings than others since water and sewer rates are not uniform across the state. The more inefficient your current water fixtures, the more you stand to save.
Masarik notes that for some people, especially those in newer homes that have installed high-efficiency fixtures, the savings may be smaller. But many Wisconsin families stand to save a great deal by taking some simple steps to improve efficiency.

"Technology has greatly improved the quality of low-flow showerheads and high-efficiency toilets over the last couple of years," he says. "These technologies reduce the amount of water used without sacrificing functionality. Not only will you be saving money, but you will also be helping to save water and lessen the impacts of water use on the environment."

Visit the Center for Watershed Science and Education’s website to download the Residential Water Saving Calculator and see how much you could save through improved water use efficiency at http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/watersheds/

WPR Piece on WI Homeless

2011-07-06T16:31:00.000-05:00

Wisconsin Public Radio has a segment on Homeless in Wisconsin from 6/30/11 - listen here.

BBC Story on Wet Housing

2011-06-28T14:25:00.002-05:00

Homeless alcoholics drink in comfort at 'wet houses'.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13936998

Foreclosure and Tenant Rights Statutes

2011-06-24T11:21:00.000-05:00

Wisconsin State Statutes concerning foreclosures and tenant rights:

846.35 Protections for tenants in foreclosure actions.

846.35(1) - Notices from plaintiff.

846.35(1)
(a) If residential rental property is the subject of a foreclosure action, the plaintiff shall provide the following notices at the following times to the tenants who are in possession of each rental unit when a notice is given:

846.35(1)(a) 1. No later than 5 days after the foreclosure action is filed, notice that the plaintiff has commenced a foreclosure action with respect to the rental property.

846.35(1)(a) 2. No later than 5 days after the judgment of foreclosure is entered, notice that the plaintiff has been granted a judgment of foreclosure with respect to the rental property and notice of the date on which the redemption period ends.

846.35(1)(a) 3. When the confirmation of sale hearing has been scheduled, notice of the date and time of the hearing.

846.35(1)
(b) The notices under par. (a) may be given in any of the following ways:

846.35(1)(b) 1. By personal service as provided in s. 801.11 (1).

846.35(1)(b) 2. By certified mail with return receipt requested. Notice given under this subdivision is considered completed when it is mailed, unless the envelope enclosing the notice is returned unopened to the plaintiff. All notices mailed under this subdivision shall be mailed in envelopes upon which the plaintiff's, or the plaintiff's attorney's, return address appears, with a request to return to that address.

846.35 (2) - Extended possession of premises; withholding last month's rent.

846.35(2)
(a) Notwithstanding ch. 704, all of the following apply to a tenant whose tenancy is terminated as a result of a foreclosure judgment and sale with respect to the rental property:

846.35(2)(a) 1. Subject to subd. 3., the tenant may retain possession of the tenant's rental unit for up to 2 months after the end of the month in which the sale of the property is confirmed.

846.35(2)(a) 2. The tenant may withhold rent in an amount equal to the security deposit during the last period the tenant actually retains possession of the rental unit, regardless of whether the tenant retains possession after the sale of the property is confirmed, as authorized under subd. 1.

846.35(2)(a) 3. The tenant's right to retain possession of the rental unit expires at the end of the month for which the tenant withholds rent, as authorized under subd. 2.

846.35(2)
(b) Subject to par. (a) 2., a tenant who retains possession of the rental unit after the sale of the property is confirmed shall pay rent for the period during which the tenant retains possession at the same rate that applied immediately before the confirmation of the sale of the property.

846.35 (3) - Execution of writ of assistance or restitution. No writ of assistance or writ of restitution for the removal of a tenant whose tenancy is terminated as a result of a foreclosure judgment and sale may be executed before the end of the 2nd month beginning after the month in which the sale of the property is confirmed, unless the tenant has waived in writing the right under sub. (2) (a) 1. to retain possession of the rental unit.

846.35 - (5) Tenant not named in complaint. In an action for foreclosure of residential real property, the complaint may not name a tenant as a defendant unless the tenant has a lien or ownership interest in the real property.

846.35 - (6) Penalties. If a plaintiff fails to provide a notice under sub. (1) (a) in accordance with sub. (1) (a) and (b), or fails to comply with sub. (5), the court shall award the tenant to whom the notice should have been given or who should not have been named as a defendant $250 in damages, plus reasonable attorney fees. A tenant may not recover under this paragraph for more than one notice violation.

(https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/846/35/3)

Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program

2011-06-23T08:26:00.003-05:00

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in conjunction with NeighborWorks® America announced the launch of the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP) to help homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure in Wisconsin.

Congress provided $1 billion dollars to HUD, as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, to implement EHLP. The program will assist homeowners who have experienced a reduction in income and are at risk of foreclosure due to involuntary unemployment or underemployment due to economic conditions or a medical condition. HUD allocated $51,540,638 to fund this emergency loan program in Wisconsin.

Under EHLP program guidelines, eligible homeowners can qualify for an interest free loan which pays a portion of their monthly mortgage for up to two years or up to $50,000, whichever comes first.

The EHLP program will pay a portion of an approved applicant’s monthly mortgage including missed mortgage payments or past due charges including principal, interest, taxes, insurances, and attorney fees. EHLP is expected to aid up to 30,000 distressed borrowers, with an average loan of approximately $35,000.

The EHLP program is a complement to the Hardest Hit Fund which makes available $7.6 billion to 18 states and the District of Columbia that were hardest hit by the housing crisis. The EHLP program will be offered in the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming and Puerto Rico. Five states operating substantially similar programs are administering EHLP directly: Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. With today’s launch, mortgage assistance is now available for unemployed and underemployed homeowners in every state.

The deadline for submitting the Pre-Applicant Screening Worksheet is July 22, 2011. Homeowners are encouraged to apply now in order to determine if they qualify for this new mortgage assistance program and learn more about the many options available to assist those with housing needs.

Contact information for participating agencies, the Pre-Applicant Screening Worksheet and more information on the EHLP program and its eligibility requirements can be found at www.FindEHLP.org or by calling toll free at 855-FIND-EHLP (346-3345).

The following agencies in Wisconsin will be accepting applications for the EHLP:

Homestead Solutions
435 Algoma Boulevard
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Phone: 920-230-3324
Web: http://www.homesteadsolutions.org/

Couleecap, Inc.
201 Melby Street
Westby, WI 54667
Phone: 608-634-7361

Family Service Association of Sheboygan, Inc.
1930 N. 8th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: 920-458-3784
Web: http://www.cccsonline.org/

Housing Resources, Inc.
7830 W. Burleigh Street
Milwaukee, WI 53222
Phone: 414-461-6330
Web: http://www.hri-wi.org/

Light Streams Community Development Corporation
6125 W. Baldwin Street
Milwaukee, WI 53218
Phone: 414-464-0202

MMI – Madison
128 E. Olin Avenue, Suite 100
Madison, WI 53713
Phone: 877-329-2502
Web: http://www.moneymanagement.org/

MMI – Racine
524 Main Street, Suite 300
Racine, WI 53403
Phone: 877-329-2502
Web: http://www.moneymanagement.org/

Neighborhood Housing Services of Beloit, Inc.
520 W. Grand Avenue
Beloit, WI 53511
Phone: 608-362-9051
Web: http://www.nhsofbeloit.org/

NeighborWorks Green Bay
437 S. Jackson Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: 920-448-3075
Web: http://www.nwgreenbay.org/

NHS of Richland County
125 E. Seminary Street
Richland, WI 53581
Phone: 608-647-4949
Web: http://www.nhsrcwi.org/

Select Milwaukee, Inc.
2209 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Phone: 414-562-5070
Web: http://www.selectmilwaukee.org/

Collaboration Work Group Bus Ride

2011-06-21T09:21:00.000-05:00

Email received from Angie McCarthy regarding the June 27 collaboration working group meeting. This may be a good opportunity for folks unfamiliar with the Oshkosh area and/or bus system.

We are doing a non traditional meeting for June 27th. Please read information below & respond to Alex no later than June 23rd. Thank you & hope to see you on the bus!

Oshkosh Collaboration Work Group June Meeting “Try Transit” Oshkosh Bus Ride (in lieu of meeting)

Monday, June 27, 8:00am-9:30am

Leave & Return from Oshkosh Transit Center, Pearl St. between Market and Division (park your car in the public lot across from the Grand Opera House)

Learn about fares (cash and passes), transfers, routes and bus stops, service hours, Bike ‘N Ride and senior and disabled services. Enjoy a stop at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore for coffee and a donut. Experience one of our community’s resources and become a better source of information for your customers.

Seats are limited so be sure to RSVP to Alex Annoye at alex.annoye@workforceeconomics.org by June 23rd.

Foreclosure Prevention Event June 24

2011-06-16T15:00:00.000-05:00

FY 2011 Income Limits Released

2011-06-08T12:11:00.000-05:00

Access the new limits here - www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/il/il11/index.html

Emergency Shelter Data Q1 2009 - 2011

2011-05-31T19:28:00.000-05:00

Access the new Bureau of Supportive Housing data report here.

Commerce Housing Programming Transfer to WHEDA LFB Analysis

2011-05-31T15:59:00.000-05:00

Access the report here.

June 2011 Agenda

2011-05-26T13:52:00.001-05:00

A copy of the agenda for the meeting on June 1st can be accessed here:

June 2011 Agenda

Salvation Army Brat Fry and Car Wash

2011-05-20T08:20:00.002-05:00

The Salvation Army is hosting a BRAT FRY and CAR WASH!!!
Wednesday, June 8 Here at 417 Algoma Blvd. 4:00 p.m. – 7:00p.m.

Brat, chips, and a soda…. .………………..………………$ 3.00

1 Vehicle Washed……………………….………..…………donation

Please come help us fundraise to send a child to summer camp!!

Contributing Articles and Updates to WHC

2011-05-16T11:49:00.000-05:00

The WHC now has a directions handout for how to contribute to this website. Access the handout here. There will also be a permanant link on the side bar.

As a reminder, coalition members are strongly encouraged to use this forum to share program information, assistance opportunities, housing information, and coalition updates.

2011 Supportive Housing Grants

2011-05-16T11:18:00.000-05:00

From the Wisconsin Bureau of Supportive Housing:

The 2011 Emergency Shelter Grant/Transitional Housing Program/Homeless Prevention Program (ETH) has been awarded. Individual award letters to lead agencies will be forthcoming. The breakdown for the awards can be viewed at http://commerce.wi.gov/CD/docs/cd-boh-esg-awards.xls.

Continua may re-allocate their funding for the Emergency Housing and Stabilization Services Programs (EHSS). A project or agency may be allocated money even if they were not initially awarded funding. Please see individual award letters for more instruction. Over four million dollars has been awarded across the state. Agencies have until Thursday, May 26th to resubmit documents and materials. If you have any questions or concerns please contact esghelp@wisconsin.gov

Immediate Affordable Housing Openings in Winneconne & Omro

2011-05-11T13:40:00.000-05:00

Pathways to Financial Success Conference

2011-05-05T14:42:00.001-05:00

Pathways to Financial Success Conference
Conference Theme: "Raising the Bar: Personal Finance and Economic Recovery"
_______________________________________

The 2011 Pathways to Financial Success conference, hosted by the Center for Financial Security, UW Cooperative Extension, and Institute for Research on Poverty will focus on recovery from the recession, recent federal legislative changes and projected effects on the financial security of individuals and families in Wisconsin.

All financial educators and other professionals who are active in financial literacy, counseling, crisis intervention, or financial planning are encouraged to attend.

The event will take place at:
Chula Vista Hotel and Resort
Wisconsin Dells, WI
June 16-17, 2011

REGISTER NOW!
~click the link above to register~

Pathways to Financial success brings together financial management professionals, educators, and experts in related fields to discuss critical personal financial issues that matter for Wisconsin's families.

For more information, including link to registration, access the Conference Brochure.

Financial Coaching Training for Agency Staff

2011-05-04T09:34:00.000-05:00

Looking for Professional Development that can assist you in working with clients?

Consider attending the 5/20/11 Financial Coaching Training here in Oshkosh!

What is Financial Coaching exactly? Financial coaching means providing regular one-on-one sessions with clients in order to ‘coach’ performance improvements to meet goals mutually set by the coach and client. Coaching is differentiated from counseling in that coaches are not “experts,” but instead they provide encouragement and monitoring over advice, and do so in a process largely driven by the client. Coaching is not designed to be a therapeutic relationship or to manage a crisis. Coaching is well suited to asset building programs because clients often need encouragement and support to adhere to positive financial behaviors. A coach can provide a much-needed boost to self-control along with the flexibility to change strategies as the client’s financial situation changes. Coaching is different from counseling or mentoring and focuses more on ongoing behavior change, executive attention and goal setting and goal monitoring. Read more on financial coaching here. Download registration details here.

Making Your Money Work for You-FREE Workshop

2011-05-03T10:00:00.006-05:00

See below for information on an upcoming workshop opportunity offered by UW Extension. We appreciate your referrals!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOO MUCH MONTH AND NOT ENOUGH MONEY?
Wondering where your paycheck goes? Afraid to open up those credit card and bank statements? Then this workshop is for you!

The Winnebago County UW-Extension is sponsoring a workshop on the basics of creating a successful spending plan. “Making Your Money Work for You” will be held on Tuesday, May 17th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Father Carr’s Place 2B, 1965 Oshkosh Ave., Oshkosh WI. Kristi Cutts, Winnebago County UW-Extension Family Living Educator, will be the presenter.

This workshop will cover creating a spending plan that includes paying off debt and increasing your savings. One of the keys to a spending plan is having a system in place to track your spending. Regardless of how much money a person earns, if they don’t know how much money they spend every month, they will never know if they are living within their income.
To help stretch your budget, this workshop is free and open to all.

Pre-registration is requested by calling the Winnebago County UW-Extension office at 920-232-1973 or e-mail kristi.cutts@ces.uwex.edu.

Proposed Budget Effects on Children & Families - From WCCF

2011-05-02T10:14:00.000-05:00

Wisconsin Council on Children and Families has issued a pretty detailed report on the impacts of the state's proposed budget on children and families, in particular health, human services, and education.

Access the report here.

ONW Editorial on Proposed Legal Action Funding Cut

2011-04-29T08:38:00.001-05:00

Legal Action is a member of the Winnebagoland Housing Coalition, and provides housing-related legal services to many of our lower-income clients.

From the ONW on 4/26/11:

"When people don't know where to turn, they can often turn to Legal Action of Wisconsin.

The agency, which serves the elderly and the poor, is a godsend for those who need help navigating civil court cases. The Milwaukee-based agency operates branch offices, including one in Oshkosh, to provide civil, not criminal, protections using state and federal monies and private donations.

In jeopardy is about 20 percent of the group's funding, however, as proposed by Gov. Scott Walker"

Continue Reading the Editorial

May 2011 Agenda

2011-04-27T15:58:00.000-05:00

The May 2011 Agenda is available HERE.

Wisconsin Homeless Count Data

2011-04-27T13:37:00.002-05:00

January 2011 Point-In-Time Data is Now Available

The January 2011 Point-In-Time data is available for viewing. The data includes PIT counts for all four Wisconsin CoC's.

www.boscoc.org/html/point_in_time.html

NAHRO's Opposition to HUD's Offset of PHA Reserves

2011-04-21T10:41:00.000-05:00

From NAHRO online:

The President’s FY 2012 budget proposal released on February 14 estimates 2012 operating subsidy eligibility at $4.962 billion, yet the budget requests only $3.962 billion in appropriations for the Operating Fund. To make up the difference, the budget includes suggested statutory language that would, if accepted by Congressional appropriators, authorize the HUD Secretary to “take into account PHAs’ excess operating reserves” when determining PHAs’ 2012 funding allocations. According to the FY 2012 HUD budget appendix, this authority would allow the Department “to reduce funding allocations to PHAs that have more than sufficient (i.e., excess) reserve levels.”

NAHRO opposes the administration’s proposed offset of $1 billion against PHAs’ operating reserves. NAHRO members have been unambiguous in their written and verbal reactions to the proposal: The offset would unfairly punish the responsible, strategic, and entrepreneurial stewardship of federal public housing resources. NAHRO will advocate vigorously for a direct appropriation sufficient to provide 100 percent of operating subsidy eligibility under the current Operating Fund rule. At the same time, NAHRO will insist that the Department be completely transparent regarding its plans for implementing an offset. Having a clear sense of HUD’s intended methodology is the only way that NAHRO and its industry partners will be able to minimize the damage to the public housing program should the Congress (over the industry’s strenuous objections) ultimately accept the administration’s proposal.

April 2011 Meeting Minutes

2011-04-08T20:29:00.000-05:00

View the April 2011 Housing Coalition Meeting minutes here.

HUD 2011 Contingency Plan (What Happens with a Government Shutdown)

2011-04-08T13:15:00.000-05:00

For those interested in reviewing the formal policy for HUD programming following a federal government shutdown, HUD released a report titled "HUD FY2011 Contingency Plan for Possible Lapse in Appropriations" yesterday.

Loan Modification Fraud

2011-04-06T16:45:00.005-05:00

As a number of our members provide financial counseling and foreclosure prevention programming, this release may be valuable to ensure that your clients are aware of some of the identified fradualant activities of some loan-modification programs.

The National Fair Housing Alliance titled "Undercover Investigation Finds Fraud Common among Mortgage Loan Modification Companies", stating "With one in nine homeowners nationwide more than 90 days behind on their mortgage payments, a lucrative industry of mortgage modification and foreclosure prevention scams has emerged".

See the release here.

April 2011 Agenda

2011-03-22T14:42:00.002-05:00

For a copy of the agenda in April, click here:

April 2011 Agenda

March 2011 Meeting Minutes

2011-03-21T09:11:00.000-05:00

Access the March 2011 WHC minutes here.

Wisconsin Housing and Foreclosure Data Feed

2011-03-21T08:36:00.003-05:00

We have added a news feed for the Wisconsin Housing and Foreclosure Data website managed by UW Extension. You'll find the regularly updated feed on the right hand column below our partner listing.

According to the site, it "provides quarterly updates of foreclosure data for Wisconsin’s counties as well as relevant news or related information".

You can access the Wisconsin Housing and Foreclosure Data site here.

Fair Housing Complaint Against Waukesha County

2011-03-16T13:39:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: March 16, 2011

CONTACT: Michael Allen, Relman, Dane & Colfax, PLLC

PHONE: 202-277-5551

FAIR HOUSING COUNCIL FILES DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT
AGAINST WAUKESHA COUNTY

Milwaukee, WI – The Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council (MMFHC) has filed a complaint with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) alleging that Waukesha County has engaged in illegal housing discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin, and that the County has violated HUD’s mandate to affirmatively further fair housing.

In order to receive federal funds, including CDBG and HOME dollars, Waukesha County must certify to HUD that it analyzes impediments to fair housing and takes action to overcome identified impediments. MMFHC’s complaint alleges that the County has failed to comply with its own civil rights certifications and has continued funding local governments whose laws and policies perpetuate racial and ethnic segregation. Since 2006, MMFHC alleges, more than $12,500,000 in federal CDBG and HOME funds has been deployed to 35 individual jurisdictions without adequate consideration for its impact on fair housing choice by people of color. The complaint alleges that the County funding policy has the effect of perpetuating racial and ethnic segregation. Specifically, by continuing to fund jurisdictions – like New Berlin, Brookfield, Menomonee Falls, the City of Waukesha, Mukwonago and others – that have actively prevented the development of affordable housing, the County discourages integration of mostly-white communities.

MMFHC alleges that Waukesha County’s deliberate actions to limit housing development contribute to racial segregation, in that the County and several of its municipalities have blocked the development of affordable housing in order to avoid the effect such housing would have on majority white communities, where it would be perceived to promote integration on the basis of race, color and national origin. The Milwaukee – Waukesha metropolitan area is the most segregated region in the nation for African-Americans and in the top third of large metropolitan areas for residential segregation of Hispanics. While Milwaukee County’s population is racially and ethnically diverse, Waukesha County’s population is starkly homogeneous. Nearly every community in Waukesha County is at least 95% white. A number of Waukesha County municipalities did not include a single African-American in recent census counts.

“Communities do not become and remain all-white by accident. They get that way and stay that way because local governments and private actors erect barriers to racial and ethnic integration,” said William R. Tisdale, MMFHC’s President and CEO. “The only reason the County and local governments are getting these federal housing funds is because they have promised to counteract these forces. Our complaint shines a bright light on their misrepresentations over the past five years.”

MMFHC filed the complaint after several years of working with a coalition of organizations including the ACLU of Wisconsin, Legal Action of Wisconsin, IndependenceFirst, Disability Rights Wisconsin, and Pledl & Cohn, S.C., all of which have a shared goal of increasing housing opportunities throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Each of these organizations, individually and in concert, has made attempts to promote integration and affordable housing opportunities in Waukesha County. Given the institutional barriers posed by County government and detailed in the HUD complaint, however, coalition members’ efforts were stymied.
______________________________________________

MMFHC is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote fair housing throughout the State of Wisconsin by combating illegal housing discrimination and by creating and maintaining racially and economically integrated housing patterns. It operates satellite offices in Dane County (the Fair Housing Center of Greater Madison) and in Northeast Wisconsin (the Fair Housing Center of Northeast Wisconsin).

Persons who feel they may have experienced unfair lending practices or illegal housing discrimination should call 414-278-1240 or 1-877-647-FAIR (a toll-free number for use outside the 414 area code).

PLAY NOW - Coins for Community!

2011-03-02T13:35:00.000-06:00

A simple and fun way to help Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh!

All you have to do is visit the Oshkosh Area Community Foundations website and drag and drop coins into Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh’s piggy bank as often as you can during the month of March. The piggy bank with the most coins at the end of the month wins a $1,000 grant for its fund courtesy of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation.

This is a fun way to help Habitat Oshkosh in our mission to provide safe affordable homes to low-income qualified families in need.

If you would like to entertain yourself throughout the work day please give us your coins, there is no limit to how many coins you can give.

Give your coins to Habitat TODAY! and every other day during the month of March.

Thank you for your continued support, we know that with the help of our community we can receive the grant!

March 2011 Meeting Agenda

2011-02-24T09:01:00.000-06:00

Access the March 2011 agenda HERE.

Feb 28 Collaboration Meeting: Focus on Housing

2011-02-17T09:41:00.002-06:00

The Feb 28, 2011 Collaboration meeting will be focused on the state of housing in the Oshkosh area. Here is a link to the agenda. Most/all of the presenters are members of the Winnebagoland Housing Coalition.

Oshkosh Collaboration Work Group - February 28th, 2011 - 8:00 – 9:30 AM - J. P. Coughlin Center - 625 E. County Rd. Y - Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Focus on Energy Affordable Housing Program

2011-02-17T09:33:00.001-06:00

Focus on Energy Affordable Housing Program - Incentives/Grants for Existing Housing
January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2011

Organizational Eligibility

• 501(c) 3 status or unit of local government.
• Complete Focus on Energy Affordable Housing Ally/Participant Application.

Project Eligibility

• Located in an area serviced by a participating electric and natural gas utility.
• Income qualification of project beneficiaries must be at or below 80% of county median income (CMI) or be in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)
• Must be a new or existing house, duplex, or triplex
• Must engage a Building Performance consultant to provide technical assistance and verification services.

Incentives/Grants

Incentives are based on energy savings and vary according to:
• Whether or not the house is a new or existing home
• The more the energy savings the greater the incentive. The incentives are designed for major rehab or new construction projects
• Your expectation in a major rehab is that your upfront costs will net out in the black The verification service is provided by independent consultants (that we accredit), and your long term operating costs will be substantially reduced

If you are interested or have questions please contact.

David Kinyon
431 Charmany Drive
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 249-9322, ext. 281
1-800-762-7077 ext 281
davek@weccusa.org

Habitat Seeking Families

2011-02-10T22:09:00.000-06:00

No Waiting List! We are Searching for Families!
Surprisingly enough we do not have a long waiting list of families and are currently accepting applications for homes that will be built this year.

Habitat Oshkosh is asking the community to pass this information on to their work places, neighbors, anyone that might have a need or know of someone that has a need for this program. A pdf of a poster announcing this is attached for your agency’s use.

We serve people who live or work in Oshkosh who meet three basic criteria:
NEED: Must currently live in housing that is overcrowded, structurally unsound, or have health concerns.
ABILITY TO PAY: Household income must fall between 30% to 50% of the area’s median income. Debt-to-income ratio shall not exceed 40% of household income. Steady source of income so mortgage can be paid – this is an interest free mortgage with low payments. Reasonable credit history; credit report shows debts are being paid down with few delinquent payments. WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER: 250 sweat equity (volunteer) hours per adult in the household, with a maximum of 500 hours per household.

This program is a hand up, not a hand out. Habitat Oshkosh partners with a family, working with them to build their home, making sure they can afford the payments, educating them on how to budget their money and sharing in their joy as their new house is completed.

Informational Family Selection Orientation
Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh is also holding an informational Family Selection Orientation on February 16 at 6pm at their ReStore on 1640 S Koeller St. At the orientation, Habitat Oshkosh will guide individuals through the application and requirements. To attend all you need to do is call the Habitat Oshkosh office at (920) 235-3535 or email Erica.

February 2011 minutes

2011-02-03T15:38:00.002-06:00

To access the meeting minutes from February 2, 2011 click here:
February 2011 minutes

Winter Renter Tips

2011-01-25T14:45:00.000-06:00

The Madison-based Tenant Resource Center produced a guide for renters on cold weather requirements. The guide uses local municipal code and state regulations to describe the responsibilities concerning heating requirements in winter months as well as state the requirements for snow and ice removal. Access the guide here.

Is this type of handout something that is important for the Winnebagoland Housing Coalition to create and distribute?

February 2011 agenda

2011-01-25T08:56:00.001-06:00

To access the agenda for the upcoming February meeting, click here:
February 2011 agenda

Oshkosh Point In Time Count

2011-01-19T16:48:00.003-06:00

Next Wednesday evening begins the January 2011 Point In Time (PIT) count. Additional information about PIT is provided below, as well as a link to the actual program guide.

The Oshkosh effort is in need of volunteers to sign up for 3 hour shifts, including 9pm - 12am; 12am - 3am; and 3am - 6am. Volunteers go out in groups of 3-4 to identify possible homeless folks in our community. If this is something you are interested and able to participate in, please contact Patty with ADVOCAP at 920-922-7760, ext. 3519.

About Point In Time (from the WI PIT Manual):

Point-In-Time (PIT)is a statistically reliable, unduplicated count of people experiencing homelessness during a designated one-night period, two times per year. This count is intended to included persons that are homeless and are living in emergency shelters, transitional housing, domestic violence shelters, or who are unsheltered living on the streets or any other place not mean for human habitation.

A PIT is intended to capture a minimum amount of information on the homeless population in order to create a “snapshot” of what homelessness looks like in a neighborhood, city, or state. The data collected through the Point-in-Time process is reported in the Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) that is provided to the U.S. Congress. Homeless information is also reported to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, and is utilized to develop the Housing Inventory Chart for the Balance of State CoC.

Access the PIT Guide HERE.

January 2011 Meeting Minutes

2011-01-14T11:12:00.002-06:00

Visit January 2011 meeting minutes here.

Free Tax Help Available!

2011-01-04T15:38:00.000-06:00

Need help filing your income tax return? Once again this year, volunteers will be available for those who need help preparing their taxes. Thanks, to many caring volunteers, FREE tax assistance with electronic filing will be available to low to moderate-income tax payers (making under $58,000) and for Senior Citizens. The tax services will be available on Thursday and Friday afternoons, and Saturday mornings starting February 3rd and continue through April 15th.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will be held at the Oshkosh Area Community Pantry each Saturday and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) will take place at the Oshkosh Seniors Center Thursdays and Fridays.

To make an appointment, please call the Tax Assistance Appointment Line at 651-3060 or 235-8560. Beginning January 3rd, the Tax Assistance Appointment Line, a service of the Oshkosh Area United Way, will be staffed Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Afterhours, individuals may leave a message and a tax scheduler will return your call.

Last year, more than 1,530 appointments were handled between the two sites. Does this program make a difference? Definitely! For example, volunteers at the Oshkosh VITA project processed 282 returns. In dollars, total refunds processed by VITA volunteers were $366,650 of which $71,535 (20%) were Earned Income Tax Credits. This is significant as some tax payers do not realize they qualified for EITC and therefore do not claim this credit. Because of this tax service, volunteers helped clients claim all the credits they were entitled to, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Homestead Credit, and Education Credit. Also, this FREE service saved tax payers more than $56,000 in tax filing fees!

Remember to make an appointment contact the Oshkosh Area United Way Tax Assistance Appointment Line at 651-3060 or 235-8560 to make an appointment. Volunteers are also needed so to volunteer, contact Sue Panek at 235-8560.

Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh Employment Opportunity

2010-12-28T15:39:00.001-06:00

IMMEDIATE OPENING: Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh is currently seeking a full time Executive Director

The Executive Director is responsible and accountable to the Board of Directors for the effective and efficient financial, operational and administrative management of Oshkosh Habitat for Humanity. The Director provides overall leadership for the affiliate in accordance withthe mission, policies and objectives of the affiliate Board of Directors to promote the overall vision, direction, welfare and growth of the affiliate.

Job Requirements:
• The position is a salaried position which includes duties on weekends when necessary.
• A Bachelor’s degree in social services, business management, Human Resources or a related field.
• Five years of supervisory or managerial experience in social service, business operations or related field.

Click here for a detailed job description.

How to apply:
To apply please send in a cover letter and resume to ewolff@habitatoshkosh.org. The reviewing committee will review applications as they are received. To ensure consideration please submit all materials by January 1, 2011. However, applicant's materials will be accepted until position is filled.

Legal Action's Tenant Source Book Publication

2010-12-20T11:12:00.000-06:00

Here is the link to get to the Tenant Source book online, through Legal
Action's website. Scroll down to the caption of Housing Law/Tenant's
Rights and click on the sourcebook.

http://www.badgerlaw.net/Home/PublicWeb/LAW/LAWPublications

December 2010 Coalition Meeting Minutes

2010-12-15T16:24:00.002-06:00

Kay Hetzel emailed out a copy of the December 1, 2010 Winnebagoland Housing Coalition minutes to the list serve. Interested persons can download a copy of the December 2010 minutes here.

Creative Milwaukee Warming Shelter / Prayer Sessions

2010-12-14T22:08:00.003-06:00

The Milwaukee JS posted a story of Milwaukee churches opening their doors for all-night prayer sessions, thereby avoiding shelter regulations and providing a warm, safe place for homeless folks. According to the story:

"As temperatures dipped into the single digits Tuesday night, four homeless men and women abandoned their camp sites Tuesday to hunker down inside a Cudahy church.

St. Mark Lutheran Church is one of at least two congregations in southern Milwaukee County that are opening their doors for all night prayer services this week in an effort to keep the area's homeless people from freezing to death.

"It wouldn't be the first time people fell asleep in church," Pastor Mark Thompson said"

Continue Reading

January 2011 Agenda

2010-12-13T13:16:00.007-06:00

Winnebagoland Housing Coalition

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

36 Broad Street, Oshkosh Wisconsin

Leadership Team: Tina Haffeman, Amy Lang, Justin Mitchell, Bob Poeschl

http://winnebagolandhousing.blogspot.com/

Mission - The Winnebagoland Housing Coalition will maximize resources to identify and address affordable housing needs in our community.

MEETING AGENDA

Introductions

Approval of Minutes

· December 1, 2010

Special Topic:

· Survey Success Center- Colleen Merrill

· Oshkosh/Winnebago County Housing Authority Annual Update-Brad Masterson

Committee Reports:

· Warming Shelter-Tina Haffeman

· Case Managers Network- Amy Lang

· Landlord Education Initiative-Justin Mitchell

· Intra-Community Relocation Assistance-Bob Poeschl

Unfinished Business:

· January 2011 Point In Time Count-Patty Loosen

· Help for the Homeless Drive-Amy Lang

· Agency Sharing and Announcements

Next Meeting: February 2, 2011, at 9:00AM, Hooper Community Center

Adjourn

Please contact Amy Lang at amyl@advocap.org if you are unable to attend.

To view a printable copy, please click the following link

2011Rent Smart Workshop Schedule Now Available

2010-12-13T09:00:00.002-06:00

2011 Rent Smart Schedule Now Available!

Click here to download the 2011 brochure.

Rent Smart will next be offered January 11th and January 13th, 2011 from 9AM-Noon at Father Carr's Place 2B (Mother Teresa Center building).

This workshop is free and open to the public. Registrations will be accepted via phone at the UW Extension office 920-232-1973.

For more information about Rent Smart read on....

Rent Smart provides practical education to help people looking for rental housing to acquire and keep decent housing.

Rent Smart emphasizes skills that may help tenants avoid legal confrontations. It stresses both tenant and landlord responsibilities and the advantages gained from viewing the landlord-tenant relationship as mutually beneficial rather than confrontational.

Target Audience: The program is designed to help persons who have never rented or are having difficulty obtaining rental housing. This difficulty may arise from lack of experience, poor rental history, poor credit history or other issues that cause potential landlords to perceive them as high risk tenants.

Topics covered include:
How Much Will it Cost?
Money for Rent
Making the Most of Your Credit Report
Finding a Place to Live
Checking Out the Rental Unit and the Landlord
The Rental Application Process
Understanding Rental Agreements
Maintenance:Who is Responsible for What?
Home Maintenance: Keeping it Safe & Clean
Communicating with Your Landlord & Neighbors
Moving On: Notice, Security Deposits & Evictions

2011 CRIME PREVENTION ACADEMY

2010-12-10T09:57:00.002-06:00

The Oshkosh Police Department has partnered with TRICOM to provide a citizen training on helping to make the communities of Winnebago County safe and crime-free. Applications are due by Wednesday January 5, 2011.

Read more about the program here.

Winnebagoland Housing Coalition

February 2012 Agenda

February 2012 Rent Smart Workshop

Free Tax Assistance Available at 2 Sites in Oshkosh

January 2012 Agenda

December 2011 Meeting Minutes

December 7, 2011 Meeting Agenda

Employment Opportunity at ADVOCAP-Fatherhood Project

November 2011 Housing Coalition Minutes

United Way's Employment & Help Guide

October 2011 Coalition Minutes

Employment Opportunity with Oshkosh Housing Authority

November 2011 Agenda

Fox Cities Money Conference November 5th!

VA Foreclosure Prevention Information

Energy Assistance Brochure

Southern Winnebago Life Study

Day By Day Contact Information

Salvation Army Holiday Services Information

October 2011 WHC Agenda

Day By Day Warming Shelter Needs Volunteers

GET CHECKING October 11, 2011

Fair Housing in the News-9/12/11

Fox Cities Money Conference Coming this November!

September 2011 Minutes from Kay Hetzel

Day by Day Warming Shelter Open House

US Homeless Trends

Fair Housing Trainings October 2011

Follow Up to Todd Lowe Presentation on COTS

Questionnaires for Eastern Balance of the State Continuum of Care Board Position

September Agenda

Court Tower Renovation to Move Forward with Tax Credit Award

Federal CDBG Allocation Falls $145,000 this Year

August 2011 Coalition Meeting Minutes

Habitat for Humanity Looking for Volunteers

Nation's Top 10 Consumer Complaints

Public Housing Agencies and Homelessness

Wisconsin Public Service Needs Your Help!

NEW-UWEX Housing Webpage

Get Checking Workshop

Foreclosure and Tenant Move Out

Convoy of Hope

Rent Smart Class offered August 16th & August 18th

Free Training on Homeless LGBTQ Youth Opportunity in Chicago

Revised August Agenda

Day By Day Warming Shelter Director Position

August 2011 Coalition Meeting Agenda

Point In Time Survey Letter

Your Organization’s Name: ______________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________________

July 27

Category

Seriously Mentally Ill

Chronic Substance Abuse

Veterans

Category

Point In Time Survey Letter

Cost of Bad Lending in Wisconsin

Foreclosure Prevention Efforts in Winnebago County and region

PIT count in Appleton Area

Tenant Resource Center Cut Backs

Water calculator shows Wisconsin residents how much money is going down the drain

WPR Piece on WI Homeless

BBC Story on Wet Housing

Foreclosure and Tenant Rights Statutes

Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program

Collaboration Work Group Bus Ride

Foreclosure Prevention Event June 24

FY 2011 Income Limits Released

Emergency Shelter Data Q1 2009 - 2011

Commerce Housing Programming Transfer to WHEDA LFB Analysis

June 2011 Agenda

Salvation Army Brat Fry and Car Wash

Contributing Articles and Updates to WHC

2011 Supportive Housing Grants

Immediate Affordable Housing Openings in Winneconne & Omro

Pathways to Financial Success Conference

Financial Coaching Training for Agency Staff

Making Your Money Work for You-FREE Workshop

Proposed Budget Effects on Children & Families - From WCCF