County Executive to speak on affordable housing at Habitat for Humanity Awards Luncheon
Waukesha, Wis. (October 3, 2017) – Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County, a leader in affordable housing construction, will honor the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) and RiverGlen Christian Church at their annual Housing Champions Award Luncheon on Thu, Oct 19 at the Milwaukee Marriott West. The event recognizes organizations that have displayed outstanding commitment to increasing affordable housing in Waukesha County.
Keynote speaker County Executive Paul Farrow will speak to the importance of affordable housing in our area and how increasing the number of available affordable homes will help the community.
SEWRPC, an advisory agency that helps local governmental agencies determine their comprehensive development plans, has consistently advocated for and promoted the need for affordable workforce housing. Their recommendation is to trend back to smaller, more affordable homes on smaller lots in order to accommodate more families owning homes. As it relates to housing and economic development, the recommendations of the Regional Plan Commission make that agency an under-recognized champion for the cause of affordable workforce housing.
In 2015, RiverGlen launched a campaign entitled “Love Can.” Collectively, the congregation decided one of the campaign’s focal points would be affordable workforce housing, including partnering with Habitat Waukesha. Since then, they have selflessly given tens of thousands of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours to the cause and their conviction. The organization is helping individual families, local neighborhoods and ultimately the community they serve. They are truly champions who are making an impact with their focused efforts.
“There is a real need for affordable workforce housing in Waukesha County. We are grateful to the organizations and people who will be honored this year. Their hard work and dedication to the issue helps us to make sure there are homes available for families who work in the county and want to live here as well,” said Diane McGeen, Executive Director of Habitat of Waukesha County.
Also recognized at the Luncheon will be Habitat Waukesha’s 2017 Volunteer of the Year, Jim Lawler, and 2017 Industry Partner of the Year, Bill Goodman, owner of Wallboard, Inc. These Habitat partners have made outstanding contributions to Habitat for Humanity.
Members of the public are invited to attend the Housing Champions Award Luncheon. Individual tickets are $45 and sponsorship opportunities are available. All proceeds support Habitat Waukesha's efforts to build more affordable housing throughout Waukesha County. More information can be found and tickets purchased at www.habitatwaukesha.org/HC2017.
About Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County
Since 1989, Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County has addressed the lack of affordable housing in our area by providing decent homes with an affordable mortgage to help lower to moderate income families obtain self-sufficiency and break the cycle of poverty. Habitat partner families help build their home alongside volunteers and make regular mortgage payments. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, you can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, please visit www.habitatwaukesha.org.
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