The resources listed on this page are proud to be a part of Take Root Milwaukee, and are committed to assisting homeowners to maintain and make needed repairs on their homes. The following is not a complete list, nor should be regarded as a recommendation. You are advised to research various programs and lenders to make a proper decision for your specific situation.

CITY OF MILWAUKEE

STRONG Home Loans Program
The STRONG Home Loans Program offers loans of up to $25,000 to owner occupants of 1-4 family properties throughout the City of Milwaukee on a first come, first served basis. Loans are partially forgivable and can be used to make emergency and essential home repairs, and address building code orders. Loans are repayable, with a deferred payment option for those who are low income and elderly or disabled.

Compliance Loan Program
The Code Compliance Loan Program assists homeowners in making repairs necessary to fix open City of Milwaukee code violations on their property. CLP does this by providing 0% interest, deferred payment loans. This means homeowners pay no interest and only pay back the loan when selling or transferring the property. Repairs that do not qualify as building code violations will not be completed through this program.

NONPROFIT RESOURCES

Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity
414-316-5616 or www.milwaukeehabitat.org
Milwaukee Habitat’s Critical Home Repair Program is available to homeowners within the Critical Home Repair service area (a map can be found on the website).The program offers a zero percent interest loan with a $15,000 maximum and there may be a discount of up to 80% on total project costs depending on an applicant’s income. View website or call for additional guidelines and requirements.

LENDER PRODUCTS

CIBC
Offers loans of up to $10,000 for your home improvement needs through their EasyPath Home Improvement Loan. This product is available to those living in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. Five year terms with a fixed interest rate.
Contact: Anne Furey at Anne.Furey@cibc.com or (414) 291-7114

Great Midwest Bank
This private community bank offers loans up to $15,000 with lower, competitive interest rates for home improvement projects.
Contact: Brenda at brenda.brown@greatmidwestbank.com or(414) 352-3710
Contact (for Spanish): Jennifer at jennifer.lamb@greatmidwestbank.com or (414) 282-4758.

Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
WHEDA’s Home Improvement Loan Program offers a financing product to help current Wisconsin homeowners make improvements and repairs. HILP allows eligible homeowners to finance repairs or improvements such as replacing a furnace or adding more square footage to their home, even if they do not currently have a WHEDA loan.