MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee organization is helping transform communities by providing free critical home repairs to those in need.
Revitalize Milwaukee works to reduce social, economic and environmental disparities by providing free home repairs. The organization provides repairs for low-income residents throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.
It specifically provides services for low-income veterans, seniors and people with disabilities.
Ulysses Rodgers is a Milwaukee homeowner. He said as someone on a fixed income, it can be hard to deal with unforeseen home repairs alone.
“It’s tremendous and a blessing because houses cost a lot,” said Rodgers.
Rodgers has lived in Milwaukee the past six years. He said he needs the help around the house because he lives alone.
“My family got tired of Milwaukee,” he said. “A lot of killing. A lot of them left, so now it’s just me.”
Spencer Meyers is a construction specialist with Revitalize Milwaukee. He joined the organization in February and said he’s been enjoying every part of the job.
“I’m just impressed with what they do and how they affect the community and help out the community,” said Meyers.
Meyers said without these services, residents could potentially be forced to move out of their homes that they’ve lived in for many years.
He said it’s the positive feedback and making a difference in people’s lives that keeps him coming back.
“There’s not one day that I don’t get a big thank you,” said Meyers. “I’ve gotten letters and things of that nature from customers already. It’s amazing.”
Lynnea Katz-Petted is the CEO of Revitalize Milwaukee. She said they service about 300 to 400 homes a year but are on track to at least 600 this year.
“We really want to elevate the entire community as a whole,” she said. “Our goal is to meet people where they’re at.”
Katz-Petted said they improve economic stability by keeping long-term, existing homeowners in their homes. This stabilizes neighborhoods and the tax base paid to the city.
She said over time, health and safety issues develop from the inability to pay for repairs and other necessary services.
They also employ more than 18 City of Milwaukee licensed and insured minority contractors on a yearly basis. This provides sustainable wages and helps the local economy.
“This organization is built off of love and compassion for our community,” said Katz-Petted. “To know that we’re making an impact on people’s lives for generations and multi-family members, there’s nothing better. You get to go to work every day and make differences and that’s pretty cool.”
To see if you qualify for services, you can call Revitalize Milwaukee at 414-312-7531 or visit their website.