Housing

A group of more than 30 stakeholders involved in preventing evictions in Milwaukee worked together for the first time to figure out how to improve systems and services for those at risk of losing their homes.

Developers Melissa Goins, JoAnne Sabir and Juli Kaufmann combine philanthropy with profit to revitalize underinvested Milwaukee neighborhoods.

A recent Wisconsin Policy Forum report found that just over half of Milwaukee County’s renters are “rent burdened,” meaning they spend at least 30 percent of their income on housing. Low incomes, rather than high rents, are the root of the problem.

Opponents of a new short-term residential assessment center in Metcalfe Park for youth who have been removed from their homes fear that the facility will further disrupt their already-challenged neighborhood. Proponents say that more safe places are needed for these teens. The Board of Zoning Appeals is expected to announce its decision on May 3.

Through personal stories told by Ex Fabula fellows and small group discussions, audience members addressed housing as a public health issue at a recent forum held at the Zilber School of Public Health.

Midtown residents are optimistic about Habitat for Humanity’s “Midtown 100” project, which is designed to revitalize a neighborhood challenged by crime and deteriorating properties.