Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County recently announced that it will be expanding its services into Jefferson County.
According to information released by the organization, “over the last year, Habitat Waukesha has been working towards its future vision of 2033, aiming to build 20 homes and complete 30 repairs in three communities annually by 2033.”
Within its expansion plan, the organization is exploring potential sites for building within Jefferson County.
A date for an initial building project has not yet been determined, the release stated.
An official announcement about the program’s upcoming endeavors will be made during the ThriveED Annual Meeting, which will be held Thursday, at Madison Area Technical College, Watertown.
As stated in the release, Habitat Waukesha has 11 homes under various stages of construction, and its Home Preservation program, launched in September of 2021, has completed 15 repairs.
“The organization has made strategic enhancements to bolster its capacity to build and repair more homes each year, including expanding its ongoing subdivision project, Domenica Park, and adding expert construction, finance, and development staff,” the release read.
“While we remain committed to serving Waukesha County, we are thrilled to explore opportunities beyond our current service area. Through extensive research and careful planning, we have identified Jefferson County as a community needing affordable housing solutions that Habitat Waukesha can provide,” Melissa Songco, CEO of Habitat Waukesha, was quoted as saying in the release.
As noted in the release, “Jefferson County is experiencing rapid population growth, resulting in a 3,500 market-rate housing units shortage. As businesses expand into Jefferson County, the demand for affordable housing to support the existing and growing workforce has become critical. The county has made commendable strides in attracting new housing developers and implementing affordable housing incentives to address this challenge.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Habitat for Humanity into Jefferson County. Their dedication to affordable housing solutions perfectly aligns with our county’s commitment to building strong communities and addressing our housing shortage,” Jefferson County Administrator Ben Wehmeier was quoted as saying in the release.
Additionally, the release noted, “a shortage of available housing can negatively affect businesses, with employers having a harder time filling vacant positions if potential employees cannot secure housing.
Within the release, Deb Reinbold, president of Thrive Economic Development, noted: “When the local workforce can’t find housing they can afford, the entire community suffers. With its proven track record of success and commitment to affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity will bring valuable resources and expertise to Jefferson County.”
The release stated that Initial discussions with community stakeholders in Jefferson County have been positive, with local foundations, municipalities, individuals, and the HOME Consortium expressing a willingness to provide financial assistance for the expansion.
Habitat Waukesha plans to raise $2 million in seed funds to support the affiliate’s expansion, with those fund used to acquire essential resources, including trucks, equipment, staffing, and development funds, among others, according to the release.
About Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County
According to the release, Since 1989, Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County has been the leading provider of affordable homeownership opportunities in Waukesha County and builds affordable homes for families who cannot purchase a home through traditional methods. Homeowners earn an affordable mortgage and obtain self-sufficiency while learning valuable skills. They contribute 200 hours of sweat equity per adult to constructing their homes, which serves as their down payment. Habitat Waukesha is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Equal Housing Lender. More information is available at habitatwaukesha.org.
About Habitat for Humanity International
According to the release, Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976. There are more than 1,500 local Habitat affiliates in all 50 states in the U.S. and more than 70 countries. Since 1976, Habitat has helped more than 6.8 million people find strength, stability, and independence through safe, decent, and affordable shelter.
A team of workers build a home. Contributed photo.
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