Who’s Who of Rural Housing in Wisconsin

CoNorth (Formerly Northcountry Cooperative Foundation): CoNorth supports resident-owned manufactured housing communities across Wisconsin and Minnesota. It provides technical assistance, lending, and development services to help residents purchase and manage their communities as cooperatives. CoNorth plays a vital role in preserving affordable housing and promoting long-term stability through shared ownership models.

Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago & Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago : These financial institutions contribute to rural housing efforts by offering insights into funding mechanisms and economic trends. They participate in housing summits and provide technical expertise to local leaders. The Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund provides grants to subsidize the acquisition, rehabilitation, or construction of affordable housing. The involvement of these institutions helps bridge the gap between financial systems and rural housing development.

First American Capital Corporation (FACC) : FACC is a Native community development financial institution (CDFI) that serves the Ho-Chunk Nation and Native Americans across Wisconsin. It provides business loans, financial counseling, and development support. FACC is a member of the Wisconsin Indigenous Housing & Economic Development Corp. (WIHEDC) and contributes to broader efforts to address housing shortages in Tribal communities.

Foundation for Rural Housing Inc. : A statewide nonprofit based in Oregon, dedicated to preventing homelessness and supporting housing stability in rural areas. It offers one-time assistance for rent, mortgage, utilities, security deposits, and home repairs. The organization plays a critical role in crisis response and housing retention for low-income rural residents.

Habitat for Humanity (regional chapters) : Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates homes in rural communities through volunteer labor and community partnerships. Its regional chapters are active participants in housing summits and collaborative initiatives. Habitat’s work supports affordable homeownership and revitalizes rural neighborhoods.

Housing Assistance Council (HAC) : HAC provides organizations and policymakers working to improve daily life for rural communities with technical assistance, training, and research and policy information. It supports leaders and organizations with development and preservation of rural housing and capacity building for local rural leaders.

National Association of Housing Cooperatives (NAHC) : NAHC is a national organization that advocates for cooperative housing and supports its development across the United States. It offers education, technical resources, and policy guidance to housing co-ops and stakeholders. NAHC is a central hub for promoting cooperative housing best practices.

National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) : NAIHC advocates for housing needs in Native communities, including Tribal areas in Wisconsin. It provides training, technical assistance, and policy support to Tribal housing authorities. NAIHC plays a vital role in ensuring culturally appropriate and sustainable housing solutions for Indigenous populations.

Office of Rural Prosperity : Housed within WEDC, the Office of Rural Prosperity supports rural communities through resource navigation and capacity-building resources. It offers webinars, toolkits, and technical assistance to help rural leaders address housing, infrastructure, and economic development challenges. The Office of Rural Prosperity is a key driver behind initiatives like the Thrive Rural Wisconsin Program, which promotes inclusive growth and long-term resilience in rural regions.

Regional Economic Development Organizations (REDOs) are the connective tissue between local communities and statewide growth. These regionally focused groups help small towns and cities access funding, attract investment, and align housing, workforce, and infrastructure strategies with broader economic goals. For communities with limited capacity, REDOs offer expertise and guidance.

• Regional Planning Commissions : The Regional Planning Commissions (RPCs) of Wisconsin are responsible for supporting housing planning and development. RPCs collaborate with local governments and organizations, providing technical assistance, planning services, policy guidance, and data analysis, and create strategies for improving housing affordability and infrastructure.

ROC USA : ROC USA empowers residents of manufactured home communities to purchase and manage their neighborhoods as resident-owned cooperatives. The organization provides specialized financing, technical assistance, and training to support long-term stability and self-governance. ROC USA is a national leader in promoting cooperative-ownership models for affordable housing.

Tribal Housing Authorities: Many of the 11 federally recognized Tribes in Wisconsin operate their own housing authorities, which manage housing programs on Tribal lands. These include the Bad River Band , Red Cliff Band , Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa , Lac Courte Oreilles Band , St. Croix Chippewa Indians[SC10] , Menominee Indian Tribe , Oneida Nation , Ho-Chunk Nation , Stockbridge-Munsee Community , Sokaogon Chippewa Community , and Forest County Potawatomi . These authorities oversee new construction, rehabilitation, rental assistance, and homeownership programs, often funded through the Indian Housing Block Grant Program and other federal sources.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development : USDA Rural Development offers direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants to support housing in rural communities. Its programs help low-income families access safe and affordable homes, often in partnership with local lenders and nonprofits. The agency also funds infrastructure improvements that support housing development.

UW-Extension : The UW-Extension connects academic research with practical solutions to support rural housing development across Wisconsin. It provides educational resources, facilitates community discussions on zoning, density, and land use, and promotes innovative models like community land trusts. The UW-Extension is a vital partner in helping local leaders navigate housing policy and implement evidence-based strategies.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) : HUD is the federal agency responsible for funding, policy, and oversight of affordable housing and community development across the United States, including Wisconsin. It plays a central role in shaping housing policy for low-income, underserved, and rural communities. HUD supports local and state efforts by providing financial resources, technical guidance, and regulatory enforcement to promote housing equity and sustainability.

University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives (UWCC) : UWCC provides research, education, and technical assistance to support cooperative housing development across Wisconsin. It offers practical resources such as the Cooperative Housing Toolbox and development manuals tailored to rural communities. UWCC plays a key role in advancing cooperative models through academic insight and community engagement.

Wisconsin Cooperative Housing Association (WCHA) : WCHA promotes cooperative housing and community land ownership throughout Wisconsin. Based in Madison’s Crestwood neighborhood, the association supports resident-led housing initiatives and advocates for equitable land use. WCHA is a grassroots voice for expanding cooperative living and preserving affordability.

Wisconsin’s Community Action Partners (WISCAP) : WISCAP is the statewide network of Community Action Agencies working to strengthen community resiliency, reduce poverty, and promote financial stability across Wisconsin. Member agencies deliver essential housing-related services including rental assistance, weatherization, home repairs, and homelessness prevention. They collaborate with local governments and nonprofits to improve housing conditions and support low-income families, especially in rural areas. Services vary depending on county/agency .

Wisconsin Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (WI-CARH) : WI-CARH is a statewide organization that represents developers, property managers, and advocates focused on rural and affordable housing. It offers training, networking, and policy advocacy to support housing providers. WI-CARH is a key voice in shaping rural housing policy and promoting best practices.

Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) : DOA administers state-level housing and infrastructure programs, including Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) that support rural communities. It provides funding for housing rehabilitation, public infrastructure, and community facilities. DOA plays a central role in advancing equitable development and improving housing conditions across Wisconsin.

• Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources (DEHCR) : DEHCR, part of DOA, administers key federal and state housing programs including the CDBG, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, weatherization assistance, and rental support. It plays a central role in distributing housing funds to both urban and rural communities, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, affordability, and equitable development. DEHCR works in partnership with nonprofits and local governments to deliver housing services statewide.

Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) : WEDA is a statewide membership organization that represents economic development professionals, including those focused on housing and community revitalization. It offers training, advocacy, and networking to support local development efforts. WEDA is a key resource for advancing housing initiatives that align with broader economic growth strategies.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) : As Wisconsin’s lead economic development agency, WEDC partners with local governments, nonprofits, and regional organizations to implement innovative housing solutions that align with broader economic goals through technical assistance and grant programs.

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) : WHEDA is a key state agency that provides financing tools and tax credits to support affordable housing development across Wisconsin. It plays a vital role in enabling rural communities to access capital for housing projects. WHEDA also participates in housing summits and collaborates with local governments and developers to address rural housing needs.

Wisconsin Indigenous Housing & Economic Development Corporation (WIHEDC) : WIHEDC is a nonprofit coalition of Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) dedicated to expanding economic development and housing access for Native communities in Wisconsin. It serves both on- and off-reservation populations by offering loans, training, and technical assistance tailored to Indigenous needs. WIHEDC plays a vital role in building financial sovereignty and supporting housing innovation through partnerships with Tribal enterprises, foundations, and government programs.

Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development (WPHD) : WPHD is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding affordable housing opportunities across Wisconsin. It provides policy advocacy, technical assistance, and development support to communities and housing providers. WPHD has been instrumental in advancing inclusive housing strategies, including the promotion of community land trusts and equitable land use models.

Wisconsin Rural Partners : Wisconsin Rural Partners is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing rural development through collaboration and advocacy. It convenes forums, summits, and working groups that bring together public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders to address challenges in housing, infrastructure, and economic growth.