Wisconsin weather can be a state of extremes: frigid cold in the winter and blistering hot in the summer. These elements often affect the types of requests - and the urgency of need - among 2-1-1 clients. As a result, we collaborate with other service providers and governmental agencies on initiatives that preserve personal safety during weather-related emergencies.
For example, IMPACT is a community partner with Milwaukee Country, Community Advocates and UMOS in helping low-income households access emergency furnace repair or replacement services; as well as apply for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program. Those who meet the program requirements have the option of being able to schedule an appointment at an application site. Disabled or elderly individuals who have difficulty leaving their home are contacted by an agency directly.
Frigid temps tend to result in more requests for assistance getting a landlord to address conditions rendering dwellings unsafe, unsanitary or unhealthful for human habitation including issues with electrical, heating and plumbing. Among those individuals and families who were experiencing homelessness, IMPACT provided nearly 1,000 referrals to cold weather shelters or emergency warming centers.
