Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh lays out expansion plans, seeks land and cites in‑principle Washington School deal

Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh told the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee on Monday that it is expanding its local pipeline and is pursuing a redevelopment of the former Washington School into affordable homeownership units.

Elizabeth “Liz” Last, introduced as Habitat’s executive director, said Habitat for Humanity International has helped “over 29,000,000 people achieve homeownership since 1976” and described the local affiliate’s model of 0% interest mortgages combined with down‑payment assistance and fundraising.

The presentation emphasized Habitat Oshkosh’s local footprint: the affiliate was founded in April 1989, has completed 47 homes locally since then and has hosted approximately 7,500 unduplicated volunteers. Last said the affiliate expanded its service area in March 2021 to cover most of Winnebago County and parts of the Greater Fox Cities.

Last and other Habitat staff outlined several near‑term projects. Habitat reported two builds underway in 2024 and said four homes are planned in Omro for 2025 after the affiliate purchased 20 lots in 2023 for a forthcoming subdivision. The presentation also described “Rock the Block,” a volunteer‑driven neighborhood revitalization effort deployed in six Oshkosh neighborhoods since 2019, and the Restore resale operation, which the presenters said has generated over $5,000,000 in sales for program support since 2010.

On Washington School, presenters said Habitat has reached an in‑principle agreement to convert the site into housing, with the planning department described as “committed,” but that final deal details and environmental remediation remain to be worked out. Habitat projected the Washington School redevelopment could produce about 18 homes beginning in 2026 and completing over the next two to three years; the affiliate said it is contributing more than $300,000 toward the project alongside public grant funds (committee discussion referenced ARPA and community development block grant funds in that context).

The presentation included program eligibility and selection details. Staff said applicants are evaluated on three criteria: demonstrable need, ability to pay (following HUD income guidelines), and capacity to complete sweat equity. The presenters stated they serve applicants earning roughly 30%–80% of area median income; the transcript includes a family‑of‑four 2024 example with a reported range of $31,200 to $79,200. Presenters also said sweat‑equity expectations are about 200 hours and described common disqualifiers such as large consumer loans or outstanding judgments. The transcript records a numerical threshold described as “credit scores of 525 or above” and a debt‑to‑income requirement “at or below 8%.” The transcript language for those finance thresholds was garbled and is reported here as stated in the meeting record.

Committee members asked whether Habitat had compared single‑family builds with multifamily options (duplexes, fourplexes). Habitat leadership responded that its work centers on creating pathways to homeownership that reflect local expectations while acknowledging that multiplex models can have a place in other markets; presenters said they pursue mixed solutions where appropriate and partner with private builders on larger projects.

Presenters also described volunteer opportunities and how to participate. Habitat uses a volunteer‑management platform (Galaxy Digital) that syncs postings to volunteeroshkosh.org and lists opportunities in construction, Rock the Block and Restore; volunteers receive reminders and weather‑related updates through the system.

The DEI committee took no formal policy action on Habitat’s proposals during the meeting; members asked questions and were invited to volunteer, provide land leads or help with community outreach as the projects advance. The record shows committee members expressing broad support while noting neighborhood concerns that Habitat said it addresses through engagement and Rock the Block activities.