On July 31, the Wisconsin-based housing nonprofit Pillars received the largest property donation they had ever been given. It came in the name of Richard “Dick” Reetz, a landlord who died in June at the age of 97.
He donated his entire rental estate, including 20
units across 10 properties, which increased the organization’s property
portfolio by 26%.
Pillars is an organization that works to relieve bottlenecks in the
housing crisis by keeping people out of shelters and in stable housing.
Right now, the organization manages a number of affordable housing properties near Appleton, Wisconsin, and operates two crisis housing centers that serve approximately 140 people at any given time...
Leo’s notes: In a powerful act of generosity, longtime Appleton landlord Richard “Dick” Reetz left his 20 rental units to Pillars, boosting the nonprofit’s housing portfolio by 26% and creating space for up to 40 more neighbors in need. Reetz, remembered for renting on “handshakes and goodwill,” chose legacy over profit, turning down developers to ensure his tenants stayed housed. His gift is a reminder that solving Wisconsin’s housing crisis requires both public investment and bold private leadership rooted in community care...
Share this article on your social outlets
Our Sponsors
- - Volume: 25 - WEEK: 36 Date: 9/2/2025 12:20:28 PM -