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Authority approves $50,000 grant to Habitat for home-preservation repairs, funds to support 10 critical projects
Summary
The Redevelopment Authority approved a $50,000 grant from the affordable housing rehabilitation fund to Habitat for Humanity for a home-preservation program that will fund up to 10 homeowner repair projects at roughly $5,000 each for owner-occupied households at or below 80% area median income.
The Waukesha Redevelopment Authority approved a $50,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha and Jefferson Counties to fund Habitat's home-preservation program, which staff said will help owner-occupied households with critical repairs.
Staff said the grant will fund up to 10 projects at approximately $5,000 per household and that Habitat’s program leverages the authority’s funding with Habitat donations, volunteer labor and other resources. The authority will require that beneficiaries be owner-occupants within the City of Waukesha and at or below 80% of area median income; lower-income households will be prioritized.
Staff described the grant as preferable to making multiple small loans from the rehab program because grant leverage allows the authority’s dollars to reach more households. Jeff explained that where the redevelopment authority would typically make $25,000 loans, the $5,000 grants allow the authority’s funds to be stretched across more properties.
Program details discussed on the record included: - Use: critical home repairs (roofs, windows, grading, wheelchair ramps and similar deferred-maintenance work). Additions or new construction are not covered. - Eligibility: owner-occupied households within the City of Waukesha at or below 80% of area median income; the lowest-income applicants receive priority. - Structure: grants are typically forgivable or small-repayment arrangements depending on project size; staff said most awards are forgivable loans with limited repayment where applicable. - Reporting: staff requested that Habitat provide itemized disbursement requests so the authority can track how the $50,000 leverages other funding.
Miss Veil made a motion to approve the $50,000 grant with the stated conditions; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with aye votes recorded and no objections.
Why it matters: staff said the repairs restore property safety and code compliance, help preserve assessed value and address deferred maintenance among low-income homeowners in the city.
