In 2013, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity will launch a new Neighorhood Revitalization Initiative stategy, focusing on Washington Park neighborhood.  We have committed the next three years to working with partner families and organizations to implement a comprehensive sustainable community plan that will transform Washington Park into a safe, vibrant neighborhood of choice.

Targeted Neighborhood: For the past ten years, Milwaukee Habitat has built or repaired homes in a number of different Milwaukee neighborhoods, ultimately limiting our ability to make a measurable impact in a defined area. To significant contribute to the transformation of neighborhoods, we are focusing our efforts on one targeted region - the Washington Park neighborhood.

More Housing Solutions: Milwaukee Habitat has focused predominately on new construction for the past decade.  As a result of the housing crisis and the needs in our area, we will be providing six categories of housing solutions through the NRI: Community Development, New Construction, Rehabiliation, Critical Repair, Weatherization and Preservation. We continue to partner with first-time homebuyers, and we will expand our partnerships with current owner-occupants with low- to moderate-income to provide repair services that will improve the existing housing stock.

Increased Collaboration: While our core mission to provide affordable housing solutions remains unchanged, a revitalized neighborhood also requires safety and security, job opportunities, quality education, healthcare, transportation, green space, parks and strong residential networks. Milwaukee Habitat will serve as a key catalyst to increase collaboration with community organizations and neighborhood residents.

Training & Support: Existing Habitat homeowners are grateful for the opportunity to live in quality, affordable new homes, but they share stories of deteriorating neighborhoods and unfulfilled dreams. Through staffing, volunteer efforts, and partnerships with key agencies, we will ensure every partner family receives quality training and support with an emphasis on financial education, home maintenance, and access to community resources.

Measuring & Monitoring Impact: We have long measured success by number of homes built and repaired in a year. With a new focus on community development and neighborhood revitalization, we will evaluate impact on a broader set of qualitative and quantitative metrics.