Becoming a Home Again

Becoming a Home Again

When Ronnie’s two dogs started catching mice and rats as they came up through the foundation of his home, he knew it was time for a repair. 

Not only this, but his home needed major electrical work. 

“I plugged in my air fryer and everything blew out,” Ronnie said. “None of my outlets work downstairs. Lights on one side of the house are out. I turned on a light, saw sparks, and haven’t turned it back on.”

In addition to these issues, the upstairs to Ronnie’s home does not heat up due to poor ventilation. 

Ronnie knew he needed to do something to fix the repairs, but wasn’t sure if it was possible. 

Disrepair can force people to leave their homes because they are unable to afford repairs. However, making repairs can significantly increase debt. 

“I had to do something, but it would be too expensive,” Ronnie said. “With the way the economy is now, everything is high. It would cost me and put me in a bad situation.”

Fortunately, Ronnie found Milwaukee Habitat’s Critical Home Repair Program. He heard someone had a house built through Milwaukee Habitat and learned that Milwaukee Habitat also does repairs.

The Critical Home Repair Program makes repairs such as roofing, plumbing, electrical, and more, affordable for local homeowners. The program offers a 0% interest loan on repairs, flexible repayment options, and up to 80% of the loan could be forgiven based on income.

Ronnie applied and was approved for a loan for these repairs. He looks forward to feeling safe and comfortable in his house.

“It’ll be a home. It needs work. It’s still a home, but it will be more comfortable,” Ronnie said. “[The Critical Home Repair Program] gives you an opportunity if you don’t have money, you have help.”

Not only is Ronnie grateful for Milwaukee Habitat’s work on his own home, but he is grateful for Milwaukee Habitat’s work in his neighborhood.

“[My neighborhood] used to be rough,” Ronnie said. “But there are three Habitat houses on the [block now]. It’s getting better and better.”

Ronnie sees the changes that Milwaukee Habitat has on both a small and large scale and is now becoming a part of it.

[I am] very appreciative,” Ronnie said.