The Milwaukee Common Council this week unanimously approved $818,395 in funds for five projects to create 122 units of affordable housing for very low-income, disabled and homeless Milwaukee residents.
The projects were recommended for approval by the Milwaukee Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Advisory Board.
Alderman Michael Murphy, chair of the advisory board, said the projects include a $168,395 grant to the Center for Veterans Issues Ltd., to construct 52 units of supportive rental housing for homeless and mentally ill veterans at North 35th Street and West Wisconsin Avenue, and a $105,000 grant to the Northcott Neighborhood House Inc. for handicapped accessible single-family housing that will include construction work by Youthbuild – A Fresh Start participants.
In total, the projects will leverage an investment of more than $25.77 million in construction work, helping low-income and homeless residents (including many families and children).
“The economy is showing signs of improvement, but that recovery and positive news doesn’t reach everyone in our community,” Murphy said. “These are still very difficult times, and I’m pleased that the Common Council has again agreed to fund some excellent projects that will help residents who have critical housing needs, provide much-needed job opportunities and training, and provide additional affordable housing that Milwaukee needs.”
Other 2010 HTF awards include
$150,000 – Heartland Housing Inc., 2500 W. Fond du Lac Ave. (supportive rental housing for very low-income).
$375,000 – Our Space Inc. Empowerment Village, 525 W. Lincoln Ave. (one-bedroom apartments for mentally ill renters).
$20,000 – Layton Boulevard West Neighbors (purchase and rehab of foreclosed property, to help low-income family).
All of the projects were reviewed and approved by the Common Council’s Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee.
– BizTimes Milwaukee
