First Walls Raised On New Project!

First Walls Raised On New Project!

Earlier this summer Milwaukee Habitat announced our ambitious goal to double the number of families we serve by 2028. To do that, we’re expanding builds to multiple neighborhoods and rolling out a new single-story home design. Last week, the first walls were raised on this new project with some very notable guests!

Volunteers from Sargento were on hand throughout the week working to raise the walls of the first two homes. On Tuesday, they got a hand from Milwaukee Bucks forward Pat Connaughton. One of the two homes that Sargento is sponsoring this year is the official “Tipoff for Homes” house. For every tipoff the Bucks win, Sargento donates $500 to Milwaukee Habitat.

Connaughton is no stranger to the world of real estate. He’s co-owner of Three Leaf, a Milwaukee-based real estate development company. But, his construction knowledge goes back to his childhood, when he would help his dad remodel homes.

The high-flying Buck looked right at home swinging a hammer next to Sargento employees – many of whom have been coming back to volunteer with Milwaukee Habitat for years. In fact, Sargento was Milwaukee Habitat’s first corporate sponsor back in 1992. The two homes are the 36th and 37th the cheese-makers have sponsored – with many employees making the trip from Plymouth year-after-year to give back to local families.

One of those families joined us on the build site. Sophia closed on her home last summer. On Tuesday, she had the opportunity to re-connect with some of the same folks who worked alongside her on the journey to first-time homeownership.

“Taking pride in my home, being able to pay a mortgage – it’s a dream come true,” Sophia said.

When Sophia came to Milwaukee Habitat, she had her sights set on breaking a “lifetime cycle of renting.” She wanted to invest in a safe, stable home for her children. Now, that dream is a reality.