Habitat for Humanity Waukesha‑Jefferson‑Rock counties announced a $350,000 grant that will finally bring affordable starter homes back to Beloit. The funding, provided by the Hendricks Family Foundation, will support the construction of ten new homes – five in the Town of Beloit and five in the City of Beloit – the first Habitat projects in the region since 2008.
Grant details and community impact
“This grant from the Hendricks Family Foundation is a springboard for our work in Rock County,” said Melissa Songco, CEO of Habitat WJR. She added that the homes will create a clear path to homeownership for local families, reinforcing the mission of providing safe, affordable housing for those in need.
All ten homes will be built on land donated by members of the Hendricks family. The five homes in the Town of Beloit, known as Avid Pointe, sit on parcels contributed by a family member, while the City of Beloit homes will rise in the Hackett neighborhood on lots the city itself has given to the project.
Funding and volunteer needs
Although the grant covers a substantial portion of the construction costs, Songco emphasized that additional fundraising, community support, and volunteer labor will be essential to complete the project. “We are asking for community help to keep our momentum going,” she said, urging local residents, businesses, and churches to get involved.
Lisa Furseth, Executive Director of the Hendricks Family Foundation, highlighted the broader importance of the initiative: “All types of housing are critical to a thriving community, and Habitat WJR has a proven track record of delivering quality, affordable starter homes that create a path to homeownership for local families.” Her statement underscores the foundation’s belief that stable housing is a cornerstone of strong families and vibrant neighborhoods.
Timeline and next steps
Site preparation for the Town of Beloit homes is slated to begin later this month, with the City of Beloit lots following in the spring. The organization expects all ten homes to be completed by late 2027 or early 2028, providing new homeowners with the opportunity to build equity and stability.
Residents who wish to volunteer can find more information through Habitat for Humanity’s local outreach channels. The organization encourages anyone interested in lending a hand—whether through construction, fundraising, or administrative support—to get involved and help bring these homes to life.
Why this matters for Beloit families
Affordable housing remains a pressing concern for many families in the Beloit area. By offering starter homes at reduced cost, Habitat for Humanity helps families avoid the pitfalls of high‑interest loans and substandard rental conditions. Homeownership not only strengthens individual families but also contributes to the overall health of the community, fostering pride, stability, and long‑term investment in local schools, churches, and businesses.
The grant and donated land represent a collaborative effort among philanthropists, local government, and nonprofit leaders to address a critical need. As the project moves forward, it serves as a tangible example of how faith‑based values, traditional family support, and individual liberty can intersect to improve the lives of everyday Americans.
For those interested in learning more or signing up to volunteer, Habitat for Humanity WJR has provided contact details on its website and encourages community members to reach out promptly.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
