West CAP’s rent, utility, and transitional housing programs only serve residents of Barron, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties.  For residents in Chippewa county, contact Starting Points at 715-726-7937 for assistance.

Rent/Utility Assistance

One-Time Assistance

West CAP’s Homeless Prevention Program provides short-term rent assistance to families and individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as to those who are in jeopardy of becoming homeless.  The types of rental assistance available are: security deposit, first month’s rent, or rent arrearages.  Income limits vary according to county.

West CAP also provides one-time utility assistance to families and individuals that are in jeopardy of disconnection.  The types of utility assistance available are: up to one month of past due metered utility, or minimum allowed delivery of fuel oil or propane.

You can fill out our Online Service Application here.

Transitional Housing Programs

Long-Term Assistance

The HUD Supportive Housing Program (SHP) and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) programs are transitional housing programs available to assist at-risk and homeless families and individuals in need of long-term rent assistance and case management in order to:

• Increase skills and/or income
• Live in safe and secure housing
• Gain more control over decisions that affect their lives

Participants receive financial assistance for rent expenses, along with in-home consultation with a case manager.  All participants will be assisted in developing a housing stabilization plan and may receive supportive assistance toward goals dealing with the following issues:

• Housing
• Income and employment
• Budgeting
• Education and training
• Mental health
• Alcohol or Drug Abuse (AODA)
• Child Care

Housing Choice Vouchers

Section 8 Program

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally funded program with the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD).  The goal is to provide assistance to persons in renting safe, decent, affordable housing in St. Croix, Pierce, and Dunn counties.   Households are required to pay 30% of their income towards rent, and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) pays the remaining amount directly to the landlord. Potential participants apply and are put on a waiting list. The Housing Choice Voucher Program generally assists 90 households in all of St. Croix and Pierce counties and 90 households in Dunn county at one given time.