MILWAUKEE (January 19, 2019) – The Milwaukee County DHHS Energy Assistance Program, along with the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), encourages families who are having trouble with their energy bills to apply, so upcoming bills with severe winter weather outside don’t take too big a bite out of the monthly budget.
“Keeping your home warm in freezing temperatures shouldn’t make you sacrifice something else in your budget,” County Executive Chris Abele said. “Milwaukee County Energy Assistance empowers people by taking some of that stress off their mind, and strengthens our community by keeping everyone safe from these weather events.”
With winter storm warnings out and temperatures dropping, it’s also important to remember Milwaukee County Energy Assistance doesn’t just help with bills, it can help with crises as well, including fuel oil refills, furnace repairs and replacement and weatherization services.
“Many households don’t realize they’re eligible for help,” Milwaukee County Director of Health and Human Services Mary Jo Meyers said. “It’s important to know a family of four making $52,000 can qualify.”
For more information on Energy Assistance in Milwaukee County, including the location of all six of our conveniently-located offices, or to make an appointment online, visit
KeepWarmMKE.org. Or call (414) 270-4-MKE for an appointment, or dial 2-1-1 any time of any day if you are experiencing a home heating crisis.
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as WHEAP, is a state and federally funded program that is administered in Milwaukee County by the Department of Health and Human Services. WHEAP provides a one-time annual payment for eligible residents, covering a portion of their energy costs.
About the Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Program
The Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Program, administered by the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services’ Management Services Division, helps more than 58,000 Milwaukee County households each year stay safe, warm and make their energy bills more affordable. In partnership with UMOS and Community Advocates, and funding largely provided by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Energy Assistance Program’s help amounts to almost $40 million in benefits, including utility bill assistance, emergency furnace repair and replacement, and assistance with payment plans and disconnections. See more at
KeepWarmMKE.org.
About the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services
The Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) empowers safe, healthy, meaningful lives by ensuring that no one in need goes unserved. Whether it be experiencing homelessness, a mental health crisis, system-involved youth or caring for a child with disabilities, DHHS connects individuals and families to resources that can help. Using best practices from the social service sector, DHHS collaborates within its divisions and with community partners to provide personalized services that are integrated, trauma-informed, and evidence-based and drive positive outcomes. Committed to performance excellence, DHHS is dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to overcome challenges and create opportunities to become self-sufficient, strengthen their families and create a healthy, stable and safe community. DHHS is comprised of five divisions: Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division, Division of Youth & Family Services, Disabilities Services Division, Housing Division and Management Services Division. For more information visit
county.milwaukee.gov/DHHS.
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