This is part of the annual “Into The Streets” Milwaukee County employee volunteer program
MILWAUKEE – Today,Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley joined Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity and County employees to volunteer and help build a new home for a future first-time homeowner in the Midtown neighborhood.
This day of service is part of an annual volunteer program for Milwaukee County employees called “Into The Streets.” During this week, County Executive Crowley gave Milwaukee County employees the opportunity to volunteer with local community organizations alongside their co-workers. “Into The Streets” is in recognition of the anniversary of Milwaukee County’s historic declaration recognizing racism as a public health crisis, showcasing Milwaukee County’s continued commitment to strengthening local neighborhoods and supporting residents, families, and children.
“Growing up in Milwaukee, my family was forced to move often, and it really taught me the importance of having access to stable, safe, and affordable housing. That’s why I’m doing everything I can to ensure Milwaukee families and children have permanent housing and the support they need to thrive,” said County Executive Crowley. “I am proud we are recommitting ourselves to this work by addressing racial disparities in housing and empowering residents to achieve the dream of homeownership. Looking ahead, we will continue building partnerships and deploying investments so every working family can access the housing they need at a price they can afford.”
Equity is at the center of Milwaukee County’s housing strategy, ensuring that all residents – especially those historically underserved – have access to safe, stable housing. Since County Executive Crowley was elected, Milwaukee County has committed nearly $50 million toward affordable housing and homeownership efforts that are expanding options for working families.
County Executive Crowley and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have long partnered with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity to build safe, affordable, and quality housing units and homeownership opportunities across the community. This has resulted in 100 new homes that Milwaukee Habitat, the Emem Group, and DHHS are finishing construction on around the King Park and Midtown neighborhoods to boost pathways to homeownership, empower working families to build generational wealth, and revitalize neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee County.
Following the implementation of the County’s Housing First model, Milwaukee County’s homeless population decreased by 75% in under 10 years, saving taxpayers over $30 million in the process. Also, by focusing on landlord engagement, reentry programs, and community development strategies, Milwaukee County DHHS is helping more people access the housing and wraparound services they need.
