Habitat for Humanity Launches Critical Home Repair Program in Fort Atkinson

New partnership with the City of Fort Atkinson and Fort Atkinson Community Foundation creates $500,000 investment in local homeowners

FORT ATKINSON, Wis. — Habitat for Humanity Waukesha - Jefferson - Rock, in partnership with the City of Fort Atkinson and the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation, is proud to announce the launch of a new Critical Home Repair Program designed to help Fort Atkinson families complete essential repairs that improve quality of life and preserve housing throughout the community.

The program officially launches in June with a total of $500,000 available for eligible homeowners. The City of Fort Atkinson committed $250,000 toward the initiative through Affordable Housing TIF Extension funds, which is being matched by the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation through an approved community grant.

“This investment reflects the City’s commitment to supporting long term housing stability and reinvesting in the homes that are already part of our community,” said City Manager, Rebecca Houseman. “We are proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity and the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation on a program that will directly benefit local families and help preserve housing throughout Fort Atkinson.”

City leaders emphasized this initiative aligns with Fort Atkinson’s broader housing goals, including maintaining resilient neighborhoods and ensuring that residents can remain in their homes. The program helps extend the life of the City’s older homes, reduces the financial burden of major repairs for homeowners, and supports long term neighborhood stability.

The City’s contribution represents a strategic use of Affordable Housing TIF Extension funds to support existing housing stock, one of the community’s most significant long-term assets, while helping maintain curb appeal, property values, and community pride.

The program will focus on critical repairs and replacement projects for homeowners who may otherwise struggle to afford major home maintenance needs. Typical projects may include roof, window, siding, and porch replacements with project investments of up to $20,000. The program is designed as a shared investment model, where homeowners repay an affordable portion of the project cost over time, while a portion of the funding may be forgiven to help keep repairs accessible for local families. Habitat for Humanity Waukesha - Jefferson - Rock will fully administer the program and application process, coordinate project approvals, and work with local contractors to complete approved repairs.

“The Fort Atkinson Community Foundation is proud to continue our efforts to support housing related initiatives in our community by helping fund a program that creates a direct and meaningful impact for homeowners in our community,” said Executive Director, Megan Hartwick. “By partnering together, we can help families address major repair needs, preserve existing housing, and strengthen the overall health of our community for years to come.”

Applications are available online at, and homeowners may also call Habitat for Humanity Waukesha - Jefferson - Rock at 262-729-3083 to request that an application be mailed to them. Staff will be available to answer questions and guide families through the application process.

“This program is about investing in Fort Atkinson families and helping homeowners protect and improve the homes they have worked hard for,” said CEO, Melissa Songco. “We are incredibly grateful to the City of Fort Atkinson and the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation for collaborating to make this possible.” 

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About Habitat for Humanity Waukesha – Jefferson – Rock Habitat for Humanity partners with families, volunteers, donors, and communities to expand access to affordable housing across south central Wisconsin through homeownership opportunities and critical home repairs. Habitat began construction on a Twin Home in Fort Atkinson in 2025, with the units scheduled to close with homeowners on June 17, 2026. The launch of the Fort Atkinson Critical Home Repair Program marks the next step in Habitat’s growing partnership and investment in the Fort Atkinson community. Habitat serves Waukesha, Jefferson, and Rock Counties and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Equal Housing lender.

About City of Fort Atkinson The City of Fort Atkinson is a historic, full‑service community located in the heart of Jefferson County, committed to delivering high‑quality municipal services and supporting a vibrant, resilient future for all residents. Guided by a focus on public safety, infrastructure stewardship, transparent governance, and long‑term community investment, the City works collaboratively with local partners to strengthen neighborhoods, support economic opportunity, and enhance quality of life. Fort Atkinson is proud of its strong identity, engaged residents, and commitment to preserving the character and vitality of the community for generations to come. Learn more at www.fortatkinsonwi.gov.

About Fort Atkinson Community Foundation The Fort Atkinson Community Foundation was established in 1973 with a gift of $25,000 from Mary Hoard, who wanted to benefit “a future Fort Atkinson.” Inspired by the thoughtful gift, community-minded citizens set up the foundation to be able to accept donations to enhance the quality of life in Fort Atkinson. Run by a volunteer, five-member Board of Directors and full-time Executive Director, the foundation now manages over $42 million in assets across 90 funds and distributes hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in scholarships and local grant funding. All funding supports the organization’s mission of “A Better Fort Atkinson.”