Winnebago County sign, November 4, 2021. PC: Fox 11 Online
WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hintz will propose $555,412 of taxpayer funds for the Homeless, Eviction and Loss Prevention (HELP) program as part of the 2026 county budget.
The HELP team primarily works with local nonprofits already serving the homeless population, helping residents gain access to existing resources to cover rent, utility bills or moving expenses in cases of need. The county would increase its staff from five to six employees.
“Before we look at expanding new programs or trying different things, let’s do something that works,” said Hintz. “Let’s target those that face eviction. Let’s look at people that are on the margins right now and try to keep them in their own homes, and that’s what the program was designed for. It’s unique to Winnebago County and it’s effective.”
The program was started under previous county executive Jon Doemel using grant funds from 2021. In 2025, the program cost $513,660. Just $130,110 in taxpayer money was used due to the grant funds. About 75% of the 997 community members that received its services maintained stable housing, according to Hintz.
“Everyone wants to see government leveraging its resources effectively,” said Hintz. “I think the community partnerships is an area where we’ve really been able to make in-roads on by partnering with nonprofits and community organizations that serve the population that we’re dealing with.”
The $238 million county budget is expected to be passed late this month.
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