Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County introduced Thursday that it’s increasing its service space to incorporate communities in neighboring Jefferson County to assist meet a requirement for inexpensive housing there.
The nonprofit, a chapter of the nationwide Habitat for Humanity group, made the announcement on the annual assembly for Thrive Financial Improvement, a enterprise and group improvement group in Jefferson.
With a aim of developing 20 houses per yr by 2033, Habitat of Humanity of Waukesha County officers mentioned they’re actively exploring potential construct websites in Jefferson County.
As a part of the hassle, Habitat Waukesha goals to boost $2 million in seed funds to assist the enlargement. The funds will contribute to buying important sources, together with vans, tools, staffing, improvement funds, and extra, the nonprofit mentioned.
“Whereas we stay dedicated to serving Waukesha County, we’re thrilled to discover alternatives past our present service space,” mentioned Melissa Songco, CEO of Habitat Waukesha. “Via intensive analysis and cautious planning, we now have recognized Jefferson County as a group needing inexpensive housing options that Habitat Waukesha can present.”
At the moment, Habitat Waukesha has 11 houses underneath varied levels of development, and its House Preservation program, launched in September 2021, has already accomplished 15 repairs. The group has made strategic enhancements to bolster its capability to construct and restore extra houses every year, together with increasing its ongoing subdivision undertaking, Domenica Park, and including professional development, finance, and improvement employees, a press launch states.
“Whereas we stay dedicated to serving Waukesha County, we’re thrilled to discover alternatives past our present service space,” mentioned Melissa Songco, CEO of Habitat Waukesha. “Via intensive analysis and cautious planning, we now have recognized Jefferson County as a group needing inexpensive housing options that Habitat Waukesha can present.”
Jefferson County is experiencing speedy inhabitants development, leading to a 3,500 market-rate housing models scarcity, the nonprofit mentioned. As companies develop into Jefferson County, the demand for inexpensive housing to assist the prevailing and rising workforce has grow to be crucial, group officers mentioned.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Habitat for Humanity into Jefferson County,” Jefferson County administrator Ben Wehmeier mentioned in a press launch. “Their dedication to inexpensive housing options completely aligns with our county’s dedication to constructing sturdy communities and addressing our housing scarcity.”
A scarcity of obtainable housing can negatively have an effect on companies, with employers having a tougher time filling vacant positions if potential workers can not safe housing, officers mentioned.
“When the native workforce can’t discover housing they will afford, all the group suffers,” mentioned Deb Reinbold, president of Thrive Financial Improvement. “With its confirmed observe report of success and dedication to inexpensive housing, Habitat for Humanity will carry precious sources and experience to Jefferson County.”
