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One Roof Community Housing unveils five new affordable homes

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 22:23 GMT by WDIO
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One Roof Community Housing Unveils Five New Affordable Homes

A quiet ribbon‑cutting ceremony yesterday marked the culmination of a multi‑year effort to expand affordable housing in the region, as One Roof Community Housing (ORCH) officially opened its doors to five newly constructed homes. The event drew a small but enthusiastic crowd that included ORCH staff, local officials, community members, and several prospective homeowners who had been waiting on the organization’s long‑standing waiting list.

The five homes, located on a 10‑acre parcel just east of the downtown business district, are designed to accommodate a mix of single families and senior households. Each house features a three‑bedroom layout, a living room with an open‑concept kitchen, a dedicated study area, and a master suite with an ensuite bathroom. The floor plans were crafted with input from architects and accessibility specialists to ensure that the units are functional and welcoming for residents of all ages. Energy‑efficient windows, a low‑maintenance landscaping plan, and a modest solar panel array on the roof are among the green features incorporated into the construction. ORCH has stated that the average price point for a home is $125,000, with purchase options and financing packages that align with the income limits set by the state’s Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The homes were built under a partnership that included a $3.5 million grant from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, a $1.2 million contribution from the local municipality, and a $900,000 donation from the private foundation of a regional philanthropist. ORCH director Marissa Hall explained that the funding structure was designed to keep the homes as affordable as possible for residents while ensuring that the organization could maintain high construction standards. “We were very fortunate to secure a mix of public and private capital,” Hall said. “That allows us to offer a level of affordability that would otherwise be impossible in this market.”

The opening ceremony featured a short video that highlighted the journey of the project, from site selection to the final inspection. In the video, former residents of a demolished public housing complex discussed how the new homes would provide stability and dignity that had been missing in the past. One resident, Thomas Greene, spoke about his family’s struggle with high rent in neighboring towns and how the new homes “could make the difference between having to live with a landlord or being able to build a future here.”

City Council member Lisa Nguyen, who has long championed affordable housing initiatives, delivered a brief address praising the partnership. “This project demonstrates how government, nonprofits, and private citizens can come together to solve one of our most pressing issues,” Nguyen said. “Five homes may sound small, but for families who are currently on the brink, it is a lifeline.”

ORCH’s broader mission is to expand the supply of affordable homes across the state. According to the organization’s website, “One Roof Community Housing has been delivering affordable homes and supportive services to low‑income families for over 30 years.” The site further details the organization’s current portfolio, which includes 120 homes across three counties, a number of senior living facilities, and a housing‑first program for formerly homeless youth. The site also offers a simple online application form, and a calendar of upcoming open houses.

The unveiling of the new homes has already sparked plans for additional projects. ORCH has identified a potential 15‑unit development on a vacant lot in the neighboring town of Greenfield, which, if approved, would add another 45 homes to the region’s affordable inventory. In an interview, ORCH’s CEO, Samuel Ortega, emphasized that the organization aims to “double the number of affordable homes in the next five years.” He noted that the company is actively pursuing federal HUD funding, state tax credits, and corporate sponsorships to achieve this goal.

The new homes also include an on‑site support hub, where residents can access counseling, financial literacy workshops, and job training programs. ORCH believes that housing alone is not enough to foster long‑term stability; supportive services are a critical component of their holistic approach. “We want to give people not only a roof over their heads but the tools they need to thrive,” Ortega added.

The community’s response to the project has been largely positive. Local real estate agent Karen Miller, who had been following the development for months, said that the homes are “well‑situated, with easy access to public transportation and the town’s main amenities.” She added that the presence of affordable housing “can stimulate economic activity in the area, bringing more families into the market and supporting local businesses.”

One of the five homes, slated to be sold first, will be purchased by a young couple, Emily and Jonathan Ruiz, who were among the longest‑listed applicants on ORCH’s waiting list. The Ruiz’s interview, included in the ceremony’s video, revealed how the home’s affordability and modern design have allowed them to start a family without the burden of rent. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to finally own a home,” Jonathan said. “It feels like a fresh start for our family.”

While the new homes represent a significant achievement, ORCH acknowledges that the demand for affordable housing far exceeds the supply. The organization’s website indicates that over 2,500 people are currently on its waiting list, and that the average waiting time is 3 years. In the coming months, ORCH plans to streamline its application process, increase outreach to underserved populations, and lobby for expanded state and federal funding for affordable housing projects.

In sum, the unveiling of the five new homes by One Roof Community Housing is more than a ceremonial milestone; it signals a tangible step forward in addressing the region’s affordable housing crisis. With a blend of public, private, and philanthropic resources, ORCH has delivered units that meet modern design standards, provide essential support services, and keep price points within reach for low‑income families. The organization’s ongoing plans for expansion, coupled with a clear commitment to holistic community support, suggest that the ripple effect of this project could extend well beyond the five households that will take ownership in the coming weeks.