Redevelopment authority approves $50,000 grant to Habitat’s home-preservation program for ten homeowner repairs

The Waukesha City Redevelopment Authority approved a $50,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha and Jefferson Counties to support its home-preservation program. Staff said the grant will be used to fund roughly ten homeowner projects at about $5,000 each, prioritized for owner-occupied households at or below 80% of area median income.

Jeff summarized the program’s origin, noting the authority initially allocated ARPA funding and began working with Habitat in 2021–2022 to stand up the program. He said the intent was to give the $50,000 as a grant to Habitat so the authority’s dollars could be leveraged with Habitat’s donations, volunteer labor and other funding to stretch the impact.

"Our money has leveraged much more Habitat money than we've sent out," Jeff said, describing how the $5,000 awards were combined with Habitat resources to increase the number of homes helped. Staff recommended approval of the $50,000 grant with the 80% AMI condition and asked to receive requests and documentation from Habitat to track how the money is used and how many households are assisted.

Committee members clarified that the program funds owner-occupied repairs (roofing, ramps, siding, essential safety work) rather than new construction or discretionary upgrades. The request was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

Why this matters: the grant directs local funding to home repairs that staff said improve safety and property maintenance for low- and moderate-income households, leveraging nonprofit capacity to extend limited public dollars.

Next steps: Habitat will submit disbursement requests and staff will verify eligibility and track program outputs.