Tornado damage in Menasha seen from, July 28, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity wants to help 100 tornado-impacted families get back into their homes by Christmas.
The organization announced its Tornado Rock the Block 100 effort Tuesday morning. The project will focus on replacing roofs, windows, doors and exterior damage to homes. The goal is to have the work finished by Dec. 15.
“Families who have exterior damage to their homes that aren’t weather tight, if we don’t take care of those issues before the winter weather hits, there’s high likelihood that further damage will be done to those homes which then just makes the repair and recovery efforts much more challenging and much more costly,” said Habitat CEO John Weyenberg.
Weyenberg says about 1700-2000 homes were affected by the storm. Close to 200 have already been deemed unfit to live in and have either been demolished or are set to be torn down.
Those homes aren’t the focus of this effort.
“This initiative is really to address households, houses that are still stable but have experienced significant damage,” he said.
While Habitat traditionally serves households making up to 80% of the area’s median income, Tornado Rock the Block 100 will offer help to families making up to 120% of the area’s median income. For a family of four, that would be $133,800 in annual income.
Mayor Austin Hammond said it’s a game changer for those who are struggling financially.
“To have this program outlined where folks will be able to get the help that they need, and we can break down those barriers that might prohibit them from being able to get those needs met, it’s amazing,” he said.
Weyenberg said the help will be available to uninsured and underinsured homeowners. To apply, visit Habitat’s website.
Habitat will be using contractors to perform the repair work.
Weyenberg added Habitat isn’t stopping it’s support with the first 100 homes.
“We will still be providing services in the spring and the coming years. This is just the sprint to the beginning to try to get 100 households weather tight,” he explained.
A group of Fox Valley businesses have donated $3 million to the project.
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