Today, 96 Milwaukee residents will graduate from Make Your Money Talk, a four-week financial education course that teaches basic personal financial management techniques and introduces home ownership and entrepreneurship.
The program, presented by the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, was awarded a $15,000 competitive innovation grant this year from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. As a result, it expanded its reach to 5,700 households in the Housing Authority’s rent assistance program.
“In 2012, 220 Milwaukee residents successfully completed the Make Your Money Talk program, a new record for us,” said Tony Pérez, HACM secretary-executive director. “With financial education and a sound savings plan as the foundation, this program has moved hundreds of individuals toward self sufficiency and helped strengthen our community.”
The program has assisted more than 750 low-income Milwaukee residents. Graduates are eligible to open an Individual Development Account, which matches two dollars for every saved dollar. The IDA can be used to buy a home, pay for education or start a business.
“Make Your Money Talk is a hallmark partnership between the Housing Authority and WWBIC,” said Willie Hines, Jr., Milwaukee Common Council president and HACM board chair. “The program has inspired low-income individuals citywide to achieve greater financial stability.”
The graduation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at the Hillside Family Resource Center, 1452 N. 7th St. in Milwaukee. Mayor Tom Barrett will be the keynote speaker.
