Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

Mission and Vision

Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to combating the affordable housing crisis in Milwaukee by facilitating homeownership for families earning below the median income. The organization's mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope, envisioning a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Organizational Overview

Established in 1984, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity has been instrumental in providing affordable housing solutions. Over the past four decades, the organization has assisted nearly 1,500 families in building or repairing homes, significantly contributing to neighborhood revitalization and community development.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Affordable Homeownership: Facilitating first-time homeownership for families earning below the median income by offering affordable mortgage options.

Critical Home Repairs: Providing affordable repair services to existing homeowners, addressing issues such as plumbing, electrical hazards, and roof repairs.

Neighborhood Revitalization: Concentrating efforts in targeted areas to transform vacant lots into vibrant communities, thereby reducing crime and increasing community engagement.

Primary Markets

Milwaukee Habitat focuses on neighborhoods with high numbers of vacant lots and existing Habitat homeowners, such as the Washington Park and Midtown areas. These efforts aim to stabilize property values and enhance community cohesion.

Financials and Funding

Revenue and Expenses

In the fiscal year ending June 2023, Milwaukee Habitat reported:

Total Revenue: $17,897,176

Total Expenses: $16,438,865

Net Assets: $23,108,731

Funding Sources

The organization's revenue streams include:

Contributions: $9,479,953 (53% of total revenue)

Program Services: $7,354,174 (41.1%)

Investment Income: $27,788 (0.2%)

Fundraising Events: $578,913 (3.2%)

Other Revenue: $161,090 (0.9%)

Notable Grants and Donations

In 2022, Milwaukee Habitat received a $5.75 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, significantly enhancing the organization's capacity to serve more families.

Pipeline Development

Current Initiatives

Expansion Goals: In June 2023, Milwaukee Habitat announced an ambitious plan to double the number of families served by 2028. This includes increasing new home constructions to over 30 per year, aiming for 40 annually by 2028, and doubling the number of critical home repairs from 40-50 to 80-100 per year.

Neighborhood Focus: The organization is expanding its focus to the Midtown neighborhood, targeting areas with high numbers of vacant lots and existing Habitat homeowners to build a strong network of homeowners.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Milwaukee Habitat operates three ReStores, which are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers selling new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, and building materials. In 2024, these ReStores generated over $4 million in sales and diverted 9 million pounds of reusable materials from local landfills.

Significant Scientific Methods

The organization employs deconstruction services, salvaging reusable materials from properties slated for demolition. In 2024, this initiative serviced 106 properties, including 19 commercial and 87 residential, with a priced value of materials salvaged at $498,556.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Brian Sonderman: Chief Executive Officer since 2011, leading strategic initiatives and organizational growth.

Patrick Keller: Director of Finance and Administration, overseeing financial operations and administrative functions.

Board of Directors (2024)

Noaman Sharief: President, affiliated with Dana Investment Advisors.

Johanna Jimenez: Vice President, associated with Community Development Alliance.

Terry Kurtenbach: Vice President, retired partner at Deloitte and community volunteer.

Andrea Golvach: Treasurer, retired from Briggs & Stratton.

Julia Savich: Secretary, representing Milwaukee Tool.

Leadership Changes

In 2024, Noaman Sharief assumed the role of Board President, succeeding Rob Myers. This transition reflects the organization's commitment to strong governance and strategic leadership.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Milwaukee faces a significant affordable housing crisis, with nearly 60% of renters living in unaffordable housing, spending 40% or more of their income on rent. This underscores the critical need for organizations like Milwaukee Habitat to provide affordable homeownership solutions.

Competitor Analysis

While Milwaukee Habitat operates within a unique niche, other organizations in the housing development and construction sector include:

Z Modular: Specializes in modular construction solutions.

Capstone Building Corp.: Focuses on multifamily housing construction.

UEB Builders: Engages in commercial and residential construction projects.

These entities differ in focus and operational models but share the common goal of addressing housing needs.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Corporate Partnerships

Sargento Foods: Since 1992, Sargento has sponsored 37 homes, donated $2.6 million, and contributed 27,000 volunteer hours.

Brewers Community Foundation: Collaborated with Milwaukee Habitat to build homes, with players participating in construction activities.

Johnson Controls: Announced a $150,000 grant and in-kind donations valued at $400,000, including HVAC equipment and security systems for 90 new homes.

Public Sector Support

Milwaukee Habitat received nearly $5 million in grants from public sector partners, including the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and the Wisconsin Department of Administration, enhancing the organization's capacity to build and repair homes.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

Milwaukee Habitat's focus on affordable homeownership and critical home repairs positions it uniquely within the housing sector. By concentrating efforts in specific neighborhoods, the organization not only provides housing solutions but also contributes to community revitalization, setting it apart from competitors.

Competitive Advantages

Community Engagement: Strong partnerships with local businesses, volunteers, and public sector entities.

Sustainable Practices: Innovative use of ReStores and deconstruction services to promote sustainability and generate revenue.

Affordability Focus: Commitment to providing affordable housing solutions that empower families and foster community development.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Expansion Plans

The organization's goal to double the number of families served by 2028 presents opportunities for increased impact and community engagement. This includes expanding construction projects and critical home repairs in targeted neighborhoods.

Innovation in Services

Continued development of ReStores and deconstruction services offers avenues for revenue generation and environmental sustainability, aligning with broader industry trends.

Strengthening Partnerships

Building upon existing corporate and public sector partnerships can enhance resource availability and community impact, positioning Milwaukee Habitat as a leader in affordable housing solutions.