The city of Milwaukee is in an affordable housing crisis, with some families spending between 50 percent to 70 percent of their income on rent. To combat this issue, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity has started construction on 100 homes in Midtown.
The building, repairs, and rehabilitation of homes in the area from 21st to 30th Street, between Lisbon and North Avenue. Construction will last three years and over $10 million dollars to complete.
Residents Carrie Krutina and Lydell Nicholes welcome the change. They both agree that bringing new homes and new neighbors to the area will make things better. Especially with talk of crime and prostitution being prevalent in the area.
"We really do need to change our neighborhood and make it better for other people, and for kids. So they can come out and play and be safe," said Krutina.
Kurtina has been living in Midtown since 1999 and says sacrificing the quiet of her neighborhood and street space will be worth it in the long run. She wants neighbors that she can come out and get to know.
"Smiles. I want to see smiles, I want to see us come together. See right now, this is a neighborhood. You know, we just neighbors. I want this to be a community," said Nicholes.
Having lived here his entire life, Nicholes says he respects Habit for Humanity's efforts. He says other companies were just talk, with Habitat there's actual work being done.
The nonprofit's Executive Director Brian Sonderman expects the same results in Midtown that they've already seen from construction in the Washington Park neighborhood.
"[Neighborhood] safety has improved, neighbors are more connected and they're taking a leadership role in their neighborhood and we want to see that happen in the Midtown," said Sonderman.
