Homeowners in three city of Milwaukee neighborhoods: Capitol Heights, Havenwoods and Lincoln Village, could get up to $3,000 to make exterior home improvements through a new public-private pilot grant program set up through the city, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Wells Fargo.
The program, called Healthy Neighborhoods Minor Home Improvement, was announced Monday.
Homeowners who qualify can apply for matching grants up to $3,000, which will draw from a pool of $225,000 raised by the three participating groups.
The goal of the program is to improve the physical condition and image of specific neighborhoods while at the same time forging social connections among neighbors and stabilizing home values.
“Providing resources for realistic home improvements helps responsible homeowners enhance their homes, increases home values and gives a boost to the whole neighborhood,” said Darlene Russell, program officer for the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. “We expect this program will help at least 75 homeowners complete a worthwhile project this year.” Installing new entry doors, sprucing up the landscape and repainting the exterior are just some of the home improvement projects that may increase the value of your property.
This isn’t the first home improvement initiative the three groups have partnered to create. In April 2015, the city, the GMF and Wells Fargo pooled $1 million to fund employment and housing programs through various grants.
“Helping maintain strong neighborhoods is a key part of Wells Fargo’s commitment to Milwaukee,” said Sang Kim, Wells Fargo region president for Wisconsin. “Our Neighborhood LIFT program is one way we help increase homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods. We’re pleased to join forces with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and the city on this important initiative that will help homeowners make necessary repairs and improvements to their homes. We know our contribution is a small part of the overall effort, yet we hope it will make a big difference to homeowners and the community.”
