Governor Applauds Partnership to Provide Quality City Housing :  Guest House and Heartland Housing Awarded Tax Credits to Create Supported, Affordable Housing Facility

Released: 4/18/07

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In a ceremony held today, Governor Jim Doyle recognized project partners Heartland Housing, a division of Chicago-based Heartland Alliance, and the Guest House of Milwaukee with an allocation of federal low-income housing tax credits to expand the number of affordable housing units for low-income individuals in Milwaukee’s Near West Side community. 

The tax credits from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) will be used to redesign and rehabilitate a building to provide 24 residential units targeting a wide range of low-income individuals, including previously homeless adults, persons needing access to substance abuse or mental health counseling, and working adults unable to afford market rate apartments.  The project, totaling an estimated $4.4 million, has also received funding and support from Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee area has experienced a serious shortage in high-quality affordable and supportive housing, especially for populations experiencing homelessness and mental illness.    “It is imperative we address the challenges of poverty together as a larger region,” said Andy Geer, Vice President of Heartland Alliance.  

The project is among the first in Milwaukee to respond to the need to move people from short-term shelters, transitional programs and substandard housing to independent living in a supportive housing facility.  “We are confident that this important project will establish a model for affordable and supportive housing in Milwaukee,” said Antonio Riley, Executive Director of WHEDA. 

The Guest House, a local Milwaukee-based social service agency, will provide residents of the facility with a variety of services, including counseling, job-placement services, and other programs to develop independent living skills.  Heartland Housing has developed over 1,000 affordable homes across the Chicago region.  As co-developer of the property, Heartland Housing will use its proven housing model that combines affordable housing with supportive programs and services to create a sense of community among the residents. 

“We are grateful for the collective efforts of community and government leaders who have made this important project a reality,” said Andrew DeFranza, Executive Director of Milwaukee’s Guest House. Construction on the project will commence at the beginning of 2008.

Guest House of Milwaukee (www.guesthouseofmilwaukee.org) is a non-profit organization which provides shelter, housing, education, and services to Milwaukee’s homeless who seek to transform their lives with dignity and purpose. This year marks the organization’s twenty-fifth anniversary.

Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights (www.heartlandalliance.org) is a non-profit organization developing comprehensive solutions to move individuals from poverty to opportunity and from harm to safety.  Through direct services, policy research, and advocacy, Heartland Alliance ensures  the rights to economic security, housing, healthcare, and legal protection.