Operation Fresh Start seeks $60K for affordable housing initiative in community

Operation Fresh Start seeks $60K for affordable housing initiative in community

Dane County`s Community Development Block Grant Commission is poised to support a significant initiative aimed at enhancing affordable housing and workforce development for local youth. During a recent meeting, Operation Fresh Start (OFS) presented a funding request of $60,000 to facilitate the construction of two homes, which will be built by young people from low-income backgrounds as part of a paid training program.

The program not only provides essential construction skills but also aims to create permanent affordability for families in the community. Without the requested CDBG funds, families could face significantly higher mortgage costs, making homeownership less attainable. The deferred second mortgage proposed by OFS is designed to keep sale prices affordable, allowing participants to build wealth and stability for their futures.

OFS has a successful track record, with participants averaging 68% of the Area Median Income (AMI) over the past five years, many of whom would not qualify for traditional mortgages without this support. The funding will directly benefit two households, reinforcing the importance of affordable housing in fostering community resilience...   ...more

Leo’s notes: Operation Fresh Start’s request to Dane County’s CDBG Commission shows how smart investments in housing can deliver a triple impact: affordable homes for families, workforce training for young people, and long-term community stability. By tying construction skills directly to the creation of permanently affordable homes, OFS is not only opening doors to homeownership but also equipping the next generation with tools for economic independence. This is exactly the kind of program that proves housing policy is workforce policy—and why continued investment is essential.