Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity Joins Forces with Habitat for Humanity Affiliates Across Wisconsin to Implement a Groundbreaking Step Toward Affordable Homeownership Solutions
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signs Assembly Bill 454, advancing homeownership access across the state
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (April 10, 2026) — Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, a leader in affordable homeownership solutions, is proud to have played an instrumental role in the development and crafting of Assembly Bill 454. For two years, Milwaukee Habitat, along with Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout Wisconsin, worked together to set the precedent for an affordable homeownership solution that will work in rural and urban areas all across the state.
This bill, authored by Sen. Jesse James and Rep. Jessie Rodriguez, establishes a workforce home loan program administered through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), designed to help working families achieve homeownership near their places of employment. By providing supplemental, zero-interest financing, AB 454 makes housing more accessible and affordable for Wisconsin’s workforce.
“The passage of Assembly Bill 454 is a powerful example of what’s possible when organizations across Wisconsin come together around a shared vision for housing,” said Brian Sonderman, CEO of Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity. “At Milwaukee Habitat, we see every day how access to safe, affordable homeownership can transform a family’s future. This legislation builds on proven solutions and gives more working families a pathway to stability, equity and opportunity, right in the communities where they live and work. We’re proud to have helped shape a policy that will expand impact not just in Milwaukee, but across the entire state.”
There is a significant gap between what an average family can afford to pay for a home and what homes are actually selling for. In many parts of Wisconsin, one in five households is cost-burdened, paying more than 30% of their income for housing, leaving families short of necessities like food, clothing, childcare, education and healthcare.
This bill seeks to close the gap through 0% financing to give more families the chance to afford the American dream of homeownership and begin building equity and wealth. This innovative approach is expected to save eligible homebuyers up to $270 per month, making homeownership a reality for more families across the state.
“Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin, together with its 29 local Habitat affiliates, continues to play a leading role in addressing the state’s housing crisis and expanding pathways to homeownership. This legislation builds on that leadership by strengthening our commitment at the state level to support long-term economic stability and increase access to affordable housing. By establishing a workforce home loan program, we are directly addressing the barriers that too many first-time homebuyers face, from rising costs to limited access to credit,” explained Peter Lewandowski, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin. “This initiative not only empowers individuals and families to achieve the milestone of owning a home but also helps build stronger communities and a more resilient workforce across our state. It is an investment in both our people and our future.”
Currently, there is not enough housing to meet the demand for it across the entire state. The passage of AB 454 reflects an important milestone in Wisconsin’s efforts to expand access to affordable homeownership. The passage of this bill reflects a collaborative effort among advocates, organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the bipartisan support of several lawmakers, including:
“This legislation is about more than increasing housing supply. It is about creating real opportunity for families who are working hard but still priced out of homeownership,” said Brian Sonderman, CEO of Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity. “When we make it possible for people to live closer to where they work, we strengthen families, reduce barriers and build more connected, resilient communities. Assembly Bill 454 gives us another powerful tool to do exactly that.”
Recognizing that housing challenges transcend county lines, Habitat for Humanity affiliates across Wisconsin joined forces, uniting their voices and shared experiences to spotlight the need for innovative solutions at the state level. Milwaukee Habitat’s model is built on partnership, where homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.
For more information about Milwaukee Habitat, its homeownership programs, or how you can get involved, visit milwaukeehabitat.org.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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