A Neighborhood of Support

A Neighborhood of Support

Michael Lewis has lived in his home for 40 years and some of his neighbors have lived there just as long. They created a community of support and work together to look out for each other, prevent crime, and create a positive neighborhood. 

Michael is currently dealing with numerous critical issues in his home. There are issues with his fence, garage, hand rail, front porch, upper porch carpeting, doors, and guard rail, all of which need to be fixed. However, the cost to make those necessary repairs was more than he could afford. As a result, he’d been dealing the best he could, while things continued to get worse.

Recently, Michael received a postcard in the mail about Milwaukee Habitat’s Critical Home Repair Program. One of his neighbors also referred him to the program. 

“She told me she worked with Habitat and that the work was done very nice,” Michael said. 

Michael applied to the program and is now able to get the issues fixed at a price that fits in his budget.

Through Milwaukee Habitat’s Critical Home Repair Program, homeowners can get up to 80% of the project costs covered based on income, a 0% interest loan on repairs, and flexible repayment options.

“The issues [in my home] are difficult to look at. I am glad [Milwaukee Habitat] has the program. I tried to take advantage of it and I am fortunate that they accepted,” Michael said. 

Michael is looking forward to getting these repairs finally done on his home.

“I will be satisfied, happy, and more comfortable,” Michael said. 

Michael knows that once the repairs are completed on his home, his neighbors will notice.

“I think my neighbors will notice and wonder how I managed to get it done,” Michael said. “When someone gets something done, [the neighbors] want to know how they got it done. Word of mouth is the best solution to get things done in the neighborhood.”

Through support from people like you, Milwaukee Habitat is helping homeowners like Michael throughout the city’s northwest side. By making repairs like these affordable, we’re working to preserve homeownership and improve living conditions for local families in need.

Knowing that word of mouth is successful in getting things accomplished in his neighborhood, Michael plans to talk to his neighbors about Milwaukee Habitat’s Critical Home Repair Program. 

“I will most definitely share if the repair goes well,” Michael said. “Actually, they knew I was coming here today and asked me to pick up an application for them.”