Revitalize Milwaukee pitches free home‑repair program to Waukesha council

Melanie Roach, CEO of Revitalize Milwaukee, told the Waukesha Common Council on Feb. 19 that her nonprofit has sponsors, volunteers and materials lined up to provide free critical home repairs and safety modifications for qualifying low‑income seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities in Waukesha.

Roach said Revitalize’s work focuses on non‑cosmetic, safety‑critical repairs — items such as accessibility modifications, grab bars, tub cutouts, improved lighting, porch and stair railings, lead‑hazard reduction and asthma‑safe upgrades. "Safety is number one for us," she said, adding that the group wants older residents to be able to remain safely in their homes as long as they wish.

The group showcased its work in the Strand neighborhood (a June 2025 event) and said it currently has seven Waukesha homes ready to begin work. "We have sponsors ready," Roach said. "We have the materials ... and we're ready to devote a full day with a full team and a crew to come in and make these homes safer." She emphasized the services are provided at no cost to qualifying homeowners.

Roach cited demographic and public‑health context for the program: about 20% of residents of Waukesha County are 65 or older, she said, and falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. She said Revitalize aims to stabilize neighborhoods "house by house, block by block," and credited local volunteers and corporate sponsors for enabling full‑day repair events.

Council members asked practical questions about partnering with local trades and permitting. One alderman suggested working with plumbing apprentices to provide quick assessments for elderly homeowners; Roach welcomed such partnerships and said Revitalize would coordinate with community development and city permitting where needed. A community volunteer emphasized that distrust or disbelief about "free" services can suppress signups and urged council members to help publicize application materials that were distributed to aldermen in advance.

The presentation concluded with a request that elected officials and city staff share Revitalize's outreach materials with residents and neighborhood networks so eligible homeowners will apply. Contact information and application forms were included in the meeting packet, the presenters said.

Next steps: Revitalize said it will begin scheduling the seven ready homes once completed applications are received and will coordinate with aldermen and city staff on outreach and permitting questions.