Federally Subsidized Apartments (HUD)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for federally subsidized apartments. Their Mission is to offer "A decent, safe, and sanitary home and suitable living environment for every American".
While HUD is responsible for subsidized apartments and provides the rental subsidy to the owners, individual public agencies, private for profit businesses and not for profit agencies operate the complexes. Subsidized apartments may be wheelchair accessible and generally are one bedroom. There are two or more bedroom apartments available for families and those requiring live-in caregivers. Some complexes may have as few as 2 apartments while others could have over 200 apartments. Many of the complexes have activity rooms, laundry rooms, an emergency response system, gardening, a library and community room. A few may include air conditioning, offer it at an additional cost or provide the space on the outer wall for an individual unit which the tenant supplies and pays for through their electric bill. Pets are usually allowed with restrictions. You need to check the individual complexes on this web site for more information or call the complexes for the details.
While subsidized apartments were meant for the independent lifestyles of elderly, disabled and low income families, many have added supportive services. Those complexes with supportive services may offer a wellness center, social activities, a meal program, social services, employment information and counseling, health services, worship services, transportation and grocery shopping.
Federally Subsidized Apartments offer affordable rents to qualified lower income older adults and mobility impaired persons. In most communities residents pay approximately 30% of an adjusted (after medical bills) income for rent. Income Guidelines are amended yearly, for 2004 they are: Low Income 1 person $37,650 and 2 persons $43,000. Very Low Income 1 Person $23,500 and 2 persons $26,900. Guidelines regarding savings are broad enough that even if a person feels they can no longer live in their house in the community and sell the home, they probably still will qualify to enter subsidized housing.
"Senior Citizen" apartments require residents to be 62 years of age. "Nearly elderly" apartments are for 50 years of age or older. Persons with a mobility impairment including sight and hearing may be younger. Some buildings are mixed and may include those with a variety of disabilities while other buildings are not mixed.
To request a free printed list of subsidized units call Wisconsin's HUD office at (414) 297-3214. Listings on this site will provide you with locations by area and information pertinent to individual complexes.
If you are interested in touring a subsidized building contact the individual complex. Some of the larger operators may have another number and/or location for applications.
If you can not first work out a problem with the local manager then you can call:
If you need to report maintenance or management concerns call HUD's National Multifamily Clearinghouse at 1-800-685-8470.
OR to report fraud, waste and mismanagement call the Office of Inspector General (OIG Hot Line) at 1-800-347-3735.
OR if you believe that you have been discriminated against, or you would like information on what constitutes discrimination, call 1-800-669-9777.
Visit HUD on the World Wide Web at: http://www.hud.gov