Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity unveiled its new Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI), which will initially target Milwaukee’s Washington Park neighborhood.
Through the program, homeowners who occupy their home in the targeted area can apply for zero interest, partially forgivable loans of up to $15,000 to assist with critical home repairs, especially those related to code violations and energy efficient updates.
“For the last 29 years, Milwaukee Habitat has worked with families and volunteers to build and rehab more than 500 quality affordable new homes,” said Brian Sonderman, executive director of Milwaukee Habitat. “But, we know that strengthening families, neighborhoods and communities must go beyond the new homes for which Habitat is known and of which we are extremely proud. We are now joining other Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country to adopt a holistic approach to community development, working with residents, nonprofits, businesses, faith-based organizations, and local government officials towards a shared vision of revitalization.”
The new program is supported by several major local funders including, Joy Global, The Harley-Davidson Foundation, Wells Fargo, and The Brewers Community Foundation. “We have seen the tremendous impact that a stable home can have for an individual family, and we look forward to being part of Habitat’s new initiative to work with neighborhood organizations and others to address the housing challenges in Washington Park,” said Tonit Calaway, president of The Harley-Davidson Foundation and vice president of human resources for Harley-Davidson Motor Company.”
