Governor Doyle Announces $1.27 Million for Fresh Start

For Immediate Release: April 23, 2009
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Carla Vigue, Governor's Press Office, 608/261-2162

MILWAUKEE - Governor Jim Doyle today announced that 10 Wisconsin Fresh Start programs will receive a total of $1.27 million. Fresh Start programs help at-risk youth learn construction and self-sufficiency skills while providing housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.

Governor Doyle's Commerce Secretary Richard Leinenkugel made the announcement on behalf of Governor Doyle at an event celebrating the completion of Northcott Neighborhood House's Fresh Start project homes in Milwaukee.

"Through Fresh Start, young people get an education and learn hands-on jobs skills, which not only benefit them, but also the entire community," Governor Doyle said. "Congratulations to the Fresh Start participants for all of the good work they are doing."

In 2009, Wisconsin Fresh Start agencies anticipate serving up to 280 at-risk youth participants. Under the direction of site supervisors, the youth will construct or rehabilitate 20 affordable housing units during the contract period. These housing units will be sold or rented to income-eligible buyers or renters, who earn at or below 80 percent of the median income in their respective counties.

Many of the homes will be ENERGY STAR certified homes, which will help the buyers save money on utility costs. To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20 to 30 percent more efficient than standard homes.

The projects are as follows:

• ADVOCAP, Inc., Fond du Lac, $109,900
• CAP Services, Inc., Wautoma, $68,175
• Community Action of Rock and Walworth Counties, Inc., Beloit, $30,000
• Indianhead Community Action Agency, Bruce, Hayward and Shell Lake, $262,550
• Milwaukee Christian Center, Milwaukee, $30,000
• Northcott Neighborhood House, Milwaukee, $70,000
• Opportunities Industrialization Center of Racine County, Racine, $10,000
• Renewal Unlimited, Inc., Portage, $208,821
• Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association, Wausau, $226,500
• Western Dairyland Community Action Agency, Black River Falls and Alma Center, $259,800

For more information regarding the Fresh Start program contact Padraic Durkin at 608-267-2737 or padraic.durkin@wisconsin.gov.

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