Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity has been named one of 14 “Affiliates of Distinction” by Habitat for Humanity International for its achievements and innovation in serving Milwaukee. This is the first year Milwaukee Habitat has been selected into this award program.
“To be recognized as amongst the ‘best of the best’ affiliates by Habitat International is a great honor.” said Brian Sonderman, executive director of Milwaukee Habitat. “The real reward is knowing that our community is benefiting from the hard work our volunteers, partner families, board of directors and staff put in every day.”
Since its founding in 1984, Milwaukee Habitat has served more than 800 families locally, through new construction houses, full-gut rehabs, and home repair projects. They have also helped to serve more than 1,400 families in developing countries through Habitat for Humanity International’s global “tithe” giving program. In 2015, the organization plans to provide affordable housing solutions for approximately 40 low-income families in Milwaukee.
Launched in 2013, Affiliates of Distinction was established by Habitat for Humanity International to honor U.S. affiliates that meet or exceed best-practice standards. Recipients maintain their recognition for two years, after which they reapply for the following award period.
The 2015-2017 awardees include:
- Austin Habitat for Humanity (Texas)
• Genesee County Habitat for Humanity (Michigan)
• Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity (Iowa)
• Habitat for Humanity Huron Valley (Michigan)
• Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte (North Carolina)
• Habitat for Humanity of East Bay/Silicon Valley (California)
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (California)
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater San Francisco (California)
• Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County (Indiana)
• Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County (Washington)
• Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity (Wisconsin)
• Our Town of North Mecklenburg-Iredell County (North Carolina)
• Portland/East Metro Habitat for Humanity (Oregon)
• Sacramento Habitat for Humanity (California)
The 14 Habitat affiliates were recognized during a special ceremony at Habitat’s biennial U.S. Affiliate Conference in March.
Habitat affiliates considered for the honor were reviewed by seven criteria: sustainable and green building; overall organizational leadership; community development; financial sustainability; alignment with Habitat for Humanity’s strategic plan; effective use of technology to better communication with the public; and support for Habitat’s global mission.
About Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity
Since its founding in 1984, Milwaukee Habitat has built community by helping hardworking individuals become successful homeowners and advocates, believing that stable homes and families are the foundation for strong communities. Working with volunteers and partner families, Milwaukee Habitat has built more than 540 houses and restored more than 160 existing homes in the City of Milwaukee, and has helped to serve over 1,400 families in developing countries. In 2013, Milwaukee Habitat launched a multi-year Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative in Washington Park neighborhood, designed to reach more families through new construction, home rehabs and repairs, and community improvement projects.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a path out of poverty, since 1976 Habitat has helped more than 5 million people through home construction, rehabilitation and repairs and by increasing access to improved shelter through products and services. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and offers a variety of housing support services that enable families with limited means to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org.
Pictured:
[Left] Jonathan Reckford: Habitat for Humanity CEO
[2nd from Left] Brian Sonderman: Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity Executive Director
[3rd from Left] Ann Van Dunk: Milwaukee HFH Assistant Executive Director
[3rd from Right] Karen Von Rueden: Milwaukee HFH Development and Marketing Director
[2nd from Right] Larry Starkey: Milwaukee HFH ReStore Director
[Right] Larry Gluth: Habitat for Humanity Senior VP of U.S. and Canada