Developers and nonprofit organizations leading 14 affordable housing projects and programs in Milwaukee will share in $10.7 million in
Housing Trust Fund assistance grants aimed at curbing homelessness across the city.
The bulk of the money – about $10 million – comes to the city from the federal government as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Officials had initially only planned to fund 12 projects and programs, but two more were added at a special meet of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee on Tuesday. That final list of 14 projects were unanimously approved by the full Common Council later that morning.
The projects will leverage an investment of more than $324 million in local construction
and rehabilitation work over the next year, said Alderman Michael J. Murphy, chair of the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board, which recommends the projects to be funded each year.
“Today is a special day as we have approved more than $10 million worth of funding for affordable housing projects across the entire city. Not only will these dollars create permanent affordable housing for our residents, but thousands of jobs will be created in the process,” said Murphy in a press release. “I want to thank my colleagues both for the initial allocation of funds to the Housing Trust Fund and supporting these 14 projects today, as well as the citizen-led review board for thoroughly and thoughtfully reviewing the applications received and making critical recommendations.”
Alderman Bob Bauman, a member of the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board, said the projects “represent the affordable housing investment and commitment that is needed each year across Milwaukee.”
“This investment of $10 million this year is part of the largest investment of city funds in affordable housing in the city’s history, and I am so very pleased to see it,” he said in the release.
Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, also a longtime affordable housing proponent, said the creation of new affordable, supportive housing is critical in Milwaukee.
“On the near south side, in my district, and across our city, the need (for supportive, affordable housing) is great, and these Housing Trust Fund projects provide great help at the margins, where families and others can access secure and vital housing they can afford,” she said.
The approved HTF awards include:
- $1.5 million to General Capital for its construction of a 93-unit apartment complex serving low-income renters, as part of the MLK Library project. Estimated total project cost - $32.2 million.
- $1.25 million to Milwaukee Habitat of Humanity for the rehabilitation of existing houses scattered across the city to serve as owner-occupied homes for very low-income families.
- $1.25 million to Revitalize Milwaukee for the rehabilitation of existing houses scattered across the city to serve as owner-occupied homes for very low-income families.
- $1.25 million to ACTS Housing for the rehabilitation of 100 houses scattered across the city to serve as owner-occupied homes for very low-income families. Estimated total project cost - $9.75 million.
- $1 million to General Capital for its 91-unit apartment complex in the Riverwest neighborhood, serving low-income renters. Estimated total project cost - $26.7 million.
- $783,765 to Moving Out/Rule Enterprises for its 79-unit apartment complex at 1887 N. Water St. serving low-income renters. Estimated total project cost - $21.4 million.
- $500,000 to KG Development for the rehab project at 2436 N. 50th St. aimed at creating 40 apartment units serving low-income renters. Estimated total project cost - $6.6 million.
- $500,000 to Fit – Cinnaire for the construction of 54 new apartment units at 6th and North streets in the Bronzeville district, aimed at serving low-income renters. Estimated total project cost - $13.4 million.
- $250,000 to Wisconsin Community Services for its rehab of 5008 W. Center St. aimed at creating seven apartments for low-income renters. Estimated total project cost - $810,000.
- $100,000 to Independence First’s home purchasing assistance program for individuals with disabilities.
- $835,000 to Bear Development for its 592-unit low-income apartment complex on East Becher Street.
- $965,000 to Gorman & Co. for renovation of the former Edison Middle School, 5372 N. 37th St., creating 63 apartments and 12 townhomes for seniors.
- $350,000 to Social Development Foundation for its homebuyer assistance services.
- $100,000 to United Community Center for its homebuyer assistance services.
