House & Home
Sun, July 27, 2025
Current, future owners of Habitat for Humanity-built homes gather for celebration in Harambee neighborhood
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Published in House and Home on Sunday, July 27th 2025 at 14:11 GMT by CBS 58 News🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Habitat for Humanity has been building homes in Milwaukee for a long time, and Wednesday, we heard from some of the people whose lives have been changed by the organization. They
Community Comes Together: Habitat for Humanity Celebrates New Beginnings in Milwaukee's Harambee Neighborhood
MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- In the heart of Milwaukee's vibrant Harambee neighborhood, a sense of hope and renewal filled the air as current and future homeowners of Habitat for Humanity-built homes gathered for a joyous celebration. The event, held on a sunny afternoon, marked a significant milestone for families who have long dreamed of stable, affordable housing. Organized by Habitat for Humanity of Milwaukee, the gathering brought together community leaders, volunteers, and the families themselves to dedicate newly constructed homes and honor the collaborative spirit that made it all possible.
The Harambee neighborhood, known for its rich cultural heritage and resilient community, has been a focal point for Habitat for Humanity's efforts in recent years. Derived from the Swahili word meaning "all pull together," Harambee embodies the ethos of collective action, which aligns perfectly with Habitat's mission. The organization, a nonprofit dedicated to building affordable housing for low-income families, has been active in Milwaukee since 1984, constructing or rehabilitating hundreds of homes across the city. This particular celebration highlighted the completion of several new homes on a block that had previously seen blight and disinvestment, transforming it into a beacon of opportunity.
At the center of the event were the families who will soon call these houses home. Among them was Maria Gonzalez, a single mother of three who shared her emotional journey during the ceremony. "I've been renting for years, struggling to make ends meet," Gonzalez said, her voice steady but filled with gratitude. "Habitat gave me a chance to build not just a house, but a future for my kids. We put in the sweat equity, and now we have something that's truly ours." Sweat equity is a cornerstone of Habitat's model, requiring future homeowners to contribute hundreds of hours of labor alongside volunteers to construct their own homes. This not only keeps costs down but also fosters a deep sense of ownership and community involvement.
The celebration kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, where local dignitaries, including representatives from the City of Milwaukee's Department of Neighborhood Services, joined Habitat staff to officially welcome the new residents. Balloons in Habitat's signature blue and green colors dotted the scene, and a brass band provided upbeat music that had attendees dancing in the streets. Children from the neighborhood played games on the freshly sodded lawns, while volunteers served barbecue and refreshments, turning the event into a true block party.
Kofi Annan, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Milwaukee, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the broader impact of these projects. "In Harambee, we're not just building houses; we're building stronger families and a stronger community," Annan stated. "These homes represent stability in a city where affordable housing is increasingly out of reach. By partnering with families, we ensure they can afford their mortgages, which are set at no more than 30% of their income." Annan highlighted how Habitat's interest-free loans and financial education programs help break the cycle of poverty, allowing families to invest in education, health, and other priorities.
The homes themselves are modest yet modern, designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. Each features three bedrooms, updated kitchens, and small backyards—perfect for growing families. Constructed over several months with the help of corporate sponsors like local banks and construction firms, the builds involved diverse groups of volunteers, from high school students to retirees. One volunteer, longtime Milwaukee resident James Thompson, reflected on his involvement: "I've been swinging a hammer for Habitat for over a decade. Seeing the joy on these families' faces makes every blister worth it. It's about giving back to a neighborhood that's given so much to this city."
The event also served as a platform to discuss the ongoing challenges in Milwaukee's housing market. With rising rents and a shortage of affordable units, many families face displacement or overcrowding. Habitat's work in Harambee addresses this head-on, revitalizing vacant lots and abandoned properties. According to community leaders, these initiatives have led to decreased crime rates and increased property values in the area, creating a ripple effect of positive change. "Harambee is on the rise," said Alderman Khalif Rainey, who represents the district. "Projects like this from Habitat for Humanity are crucial for equitable development. They ensure that longtime residents aren't pushed out as the neighborhood improves."
Looking ahead, Habitat for Humanity Milwaukee has ambitious plans for the Harambee area and beyond. The organization announced during the celebration that they aim to build at least 20 more homes in the coming year, with a focus on incorporating green building practices such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. They also plan to expand their repair programs, helping existing homeowners maintain their properties to prevent deterioration. Fundraising efforts were a key part of the event, with attendees encouraged to donate or sign up as volunteers. "We can't do this alone," Annan urged. "It takes a village—or in this case, a whole city—to make homeownership a reality for everyone."
Personal stories added a heartfelt layer to the proceedings. Take the case of the Johnson family, who moved into their Habitat home two years ago. Parents Lisa and Marcus Johnson spoke about how the stability has transformed their lives. "Before this, we were bouncing between apartments, never feeling settled," Lisa shared. "Now, our kids have their own rooms, a yard to play in, and we're part of a community that supports us. Habitat didn't just give us a house; they gave us hope." Their story resonated with future homeowners like Gonzalez, who are just beginning their journeys.
The celebration wasn't without its lighter moments. A group of volunteers performed a skit reenacting the home-building process, complete with comedic mishaps like pretend hammer accidents, drawing laughs from the crowd. Local artists contributed murals to the new homes' exteriors, infusing them with Harambee's cultural flair—depictions of African patterns and community symbols that celebrate the neighborhood's heritage.
As the sun began to set, the event wound down with a group prayer led by a local pastor, invoking blessings on the new homes and their inhabitants. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, many exchanging contact information to stay connected. For Habitat for Humanity, this gathering was more than a one-off event; it was a testament to the power of partnership in addressing housing insecurity.
In a city like Milwaukee, where disparities in housing access persist along racial and economic lines, initiatives like these offer a path forward. Harambee's transformation through Habitat's work serves as a model for other neighborhoods, proving that with determination and community support, affordable homeownership is achievable. As one future homeowner put it, "This isn't just about walls and a roof—it's about building dreams that last a lifetime."
The impact of such events extends far beyond the immediate families. By fostering homeownership, Habitat contributes to generational wealth-building, educational outcomes, and overall community health. Studies have shown that stable housing correlates with better school performance for children and improved mental health for adults. In Harambee, where many residents are from immigrant or low-income backgrounds, these homes provide a foundation for upward mobility.
Volunteers like Thompson echo this sentiment, noting the personal fulfillment derived from the work. "It's addictive," he said. "Once you see the difference you can make, you keep coming back." Corporate partners also benefit, gaining team-building opportunities and positive publicity while supporting a worthy cause.
Habitat's model is replicable and scalable, with chapters across the globe adapting it to local needs. In Milwaukee, the focus on neighborhoods like Harambee ensures that revitalization efforts are inclusive, prioritizing those who have historically been marginalized.
As the celebration concluded, the air was thick with optimism. For the families involved, this was the start of a new chapter. For the community, it was a reminder that when people come together—as the name Harambee suggests—real change is possible. Habitat for Humanity continues to invite more Milwaukeeans to join the effort, whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating for policies that support affordable housing. In a world of uncertainty, these homes stand as enduring symbols of resilience and hope.
Read the Full CBS 58 News Article at:
[ https://www.cbs58.com/news/current-future-owners-of-habitat-for-humanity-built-homes-gather-for-celebration-in-harambee-neighborhood ]
