New Berlin Police Help Build 3 New Homes In Milwaukee

NEW BERLIN, WI—Several New Berlin Police officers spent a beautiful sunny April day in Milwaukee's Harambee Neighborhood helping the Habitat for Humanity build three new homes on N. 3rd Street.

"We had a great day and will be back soon to help out in other areas of the neighborhood. Did you know that Harambee is the Swahili word for "pulling together? We think that it is pretty fitting that we can have such a good time while pulling together to make a difference," the New Berlin Police Department said on Facebook.

According New Berlin Police Captain Mike Glider,

There were eight officers total:

5 from New Berlin PD
1 from the Secret Service
1 from the State’s Department of Criminal Investigation
1 from Racine County Sherriff

"We received a great deal of thanks from the Habitat for Humanity workers for our assistance that day. We did not have the opportunity to work alongside the home’s future owner this time, but we have in the past. The Habitat for Humanity is doing great things in Milwaukee and we at the New Berlin Police Department feel like it is an endeavor that we will definitely continue to support in the future. Our officers have asked for another volunteer date so we can continue to work on the houses in the Harambee Neighborhood," Glider told Patch.

Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity plans to build more than 80 brand new, affordable homes in the area over the next four years. These homes are part of our Cost of Home campaign to serve 250 families on Milwaukee’s northwest side through affordable homeownership and critical home repair, according to a news release.

Milwaukee Habitat aims to combat the city’s homeownership equity gap, one of the worst in the nation, by making homeownership accessible for local families. Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity offers an opportunity for low-to-moderate income renters to become first-time home buyers, the release said.

Families also receive financial education and home maintenance courses to help prepare them to be successful homeowners.

Milwaukee Habitat is now accepting applications for their 2021 new construction homes. Interested individuals can learn more and apply by attending their free, virtual homeowner orientation at milwaukeehabitat.org/housing.