July 14, 2010

Milwaukee - A diverse group of Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) construction, employment and social service programs serve to build and strengthen neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee, according to presentations during the HACM Annual Meeting held today at the Highland Gardens multi-family apartment building.   

“Our efforts range from providing safe, affordable housing for families, the elderly and disabled to building neighborhoods where they can thrive - an opportunity that all Milwaukeeans should have,” said Secretary-Executive Director Tony Pérez. 

The meeting highlighted the impact of several programs on the Milwaukee community, including HACM’s HOPE VI revitalization of the Highland Gardens neighborhood; the HACM Education Initiative’s effect on school attendance and graduation rates; successful efforts to prepare and move public housing residents into homeownership; business and development support for Emerging Business Enterprises (EBEs); and the impact of federal stimulus funds on jobs and construction sites throughout the city.

“In neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee, the Housing Authority serves as a strong and dynamic foundation for personal and community development,” said Mayor Tom Barrett.  “Beyond its work in providing affordable housing, the Housing Authority plays a critical role in making Milwaukee a great place to live and work.” 

Highlights presented at the Annual Meeting included news that:

●    HOPE VI revitalization efforts led to a 54% increase in property valuations in HOPE VI neighborhoods vs. a 38% increase for city-wide properties;

●    Wages of residents living in HOPE VI neighborhoods increased an average of 31% over baseline levels;

●    HACM’s Education Initiative maintained its fifth consecutive year with no dropouts from school.  Ninety-two percent (92%) of high school seniors graduated this year;

●    HACM’s Homeownership Program has assisted with 372 home sales since its inception and has added over $14,000,000 to the City tax base;

●    HACM’s EBE program reached 31% participation (20% goal), and the program has built vital public-private partnerships to assist EBEs; and

●    Federal stimulus funds are enabling HACM to complete long-overdue deferred maintenance on several properties while maintaining and creating 125 jobs on HACM worksites in the month of July.

“The wide range of economic, social service and business development programs provided by the Housing Authority help move residents towards greater self-sufficiency while strengthening the larger community,” said Common Council President and HACM Board Chair Willie L. Hines, Jr.  “We are proud of the Housing Authority’s ability to continue these efforts even in challenging economic times.”

HACM provides safe, high-quality and affordable housing to a diverse population of residents in over 4,000 public housing and 1,000 multi-family market rate rental units. In addition, HACM manages a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program that serves more than 5,600 families. HACM further provides a wide range of educational, employment, and social services to enhance residents’ self-sufficiency. For more information about HACM, visit www.hacm.org. 

Contact: Paul Williams
(414) 224-0528

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