FOSTERING INDEPENDENCE FOR THE BLIND THROUGH AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired Hawley Ridge Apartments Milwaukee, Wisc.

Situation:

The Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired provides innovative community outreach and housing services to thousands of blind individuals to help them achieve independence. By 2010, the association’s expects to serve an additional 40,000 people as the population ages and disease-related vision loss increases. To meet the increasing demand, the association wanted to build an affordable housing facility that also offers support services.

Solution:

With $1.9 million in financing provided by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), Badger Association constructed the Hawley Ridge Apartments, a facility in which 50 of the property’s 58 units are reserved for families in financial need. CRF purchased the original loan, infusing WHEDA with additional funds for other deserving projects.

Benefits:

Hawley Ridge tenants are part of a supportive community with social and recreational activities, convenient access to an audio/Braille library, rehabilitation services, a referral/transition program, technology/computer training and more, so residents are empowered to live independent lives.