John Weyenberg, CEO at Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity and state legislators talk about the importance of safe and affordable homeownership opportunities as it relates to helping fill workforce needs in the Fox Cities, August 22, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As the Fox Cities continues to grow, so does the need for workforce talent.
But one big concern is there aren’t enough places for those people to live once they get here.
Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity is bringing legislators from both sides together in hopes to tackle that problem.
Dawn Buelow and her two children have been facing many challenges in the townhome they currently rent in Appleton.
“I have, like, mold in our patio and in our windows and stuff, so that’s been a struggle because both my kids have severe asthma,” said Buelow.
Plus, with how the housing market has been, Buelow says it’s been tough to find a new place to call home.
“I’ve never been a homeowner and I’m 42,” she said.
But thanks to Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity, her dream is now becoming a reality.
“It’s just not a good environment to live in so I’m excited to have a nice, healthy environment and safe environment for my children,” said Buelow.
John Weyenberg, CEO of Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity, says not only the community, but the whole state and nation have a shortage of workforce and affordable housing.
“Many of our hardworking families in our community are just unable to afford a place to live because of the rising costs of construction and rents and so forth,” said Weyenberg. “Habitat has brought together legislators today to share a little bit of the message of the work Habitat’s doing in the community and how we could partner together to find solutions for workforce housing.”
Gov. Tony Evers signed five bills in June looking to address affordable housing.
“We passed a bunch of bills in the last budget that would allow funding to increase to assist with workforce homes,” said State Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, R-Appleton.
Cabral-Guevara says when it comes to affordable housing, it’s a bipartisan issue.
“It’s about us all working together for each individual and each child in this community to make it the best for them and for our future,” she said.
State Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton, says to combat the housing crisis, collaborative minds are needed.
“I am the only Democrat here but I was happy to sign on to the workforce housing bills that we were all there when they passed,” said Snodgrass. “If we want more home owners, we must work together. Builders, developers, realtors, yes, politicians, the city, the state and organizations like Habitat for Humanity to make it affordable and accessible.”
Weyenberg believes one solution is gap financing. Gap financing is a short-term loan for the purpose of meeting an immediate financial obligation until enough funds to finance the longer-term financial need can be secured.
“It allows them to get into the home and have an affordable place to live and begin building equity and begin building wealth,” said Weyenberg.
“It was always my dream to own my own house so I’m very excited,” said Buelow.
If you’re interested in applying for Greater Fox Cities Habitat’s Homebuyer Program, click here for more information.
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