Habitat for Humanity, Fox Valley businesses continue efforts to expand affordable housing

FOX CROSSING (WLUK) -- A Fox Crossing family of three was given the keys to their own home Thursday.

The hard work of Habitat for Humanity, community partners and dedicated volunteers made it possible.

According to the most recent count from Habitat for Humanity, the Fox Valley needs more than 18,000 homes to keep up with housing demands.

“As housing prices continue to go up, availability is low," said Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity President John Weyenberg. "The wages in our community just aren’t keeping pace with the increase in costs.”...

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Leo`s notes: What stands out is not just a single set of keys for a family in need, but the model behind it: community land acquisition, volunteer labor, and business partnerships focused on people, not speculation. As housing markets tighten statewide, this moment reinforces a core truth for workforce housing advocates—local, community-based solutions remain one of the most effective tools we have to keep homeownership within reach.

Ken Notes: I like Habitat, but we need a model for our workforce in service and retail. Why must a full time employee at Menard`s making $20+ / hour live in a 600 sq ft $1,250 apartment rather that a nice new 1,200 sq foot home across from a park near a school. Habitat has shown us what can be done, now communities need to partner with developers and builders to get it done.