Habitat for Humanity of Wausau Groundbreaking

Habitat for Humanity of Wausau (Habitat Wausau) is excited to announce the groundbreaking ceremonies for its next two homes, marking a significant step forward in providing affordable housing solutions for the community. The ceremonies will take place on Wednesday, March 26th from 4:30 – 5:00 pm at 722 Jefferson St, Wausau, WI for home 74 and Thursday, March 27th from 4:00 – 4:30 pm at 1702 Plum Dr, Wausau, WI for home 75.  Habitat Wausau is excited to celebrate the accomplishments of two partner families who have already completed more than half their required 300 hours of sweat equity hours and thank the City of Wausau for providing affordable lots for the next two Habitat Wausau homes.

The groundbreaking ceremonies will signify the start of construction for Habitat Wausau Homes 74 & 75. These new homes will provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for two local families. This project is part of Habitat for Humanity of Wausau's ongoing commitment to address the affordable housing crisis in the area and build stronger, more resilient communities.

"Habitat for Humanity of Wausau is thrilled to break ground on these two new homes, a milestone that celebrates the dedication and perseverance of our Partner Families.” said Tiffany Arnold, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Wausau  “Over the past nine months, they have worked tirelessly to complete their education and community service hours and today marks the exciting next step in their journey to homeownership. These projects are only possible because of the unwavering support of our volunteers, partners, and donors. Each home we build brings us closer to our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live."

As Habitat for Humanity prepares for its upcoming construction season, Construction Manager Mike Heckendorf shares his excitement and reflects on the collaborative efforts that make these projects possible. He said "As a Construction Manager for Habitat for Humanity, I am excited for the upcoming construction season. I have the blessing to oversee a community of regular, corporate and community volunteers joining with our partner families, and professional trades for the mission of habitat “Everyone deserves a decent place to live.” None of this would be possible without the continued support of local government, individual donors, and corporate sponsors. This truly shows the impact we can have as a community, bringing hope to a family. Breaking ground is always exciting, but the best part is handing over the keys after completion."

The groundbreaking ceremonies will feature remarks from Habitat for Humanity of Wausau team and an opportunity to meet the future homeowners, as well as a symbolic turning of the soil to mark the beginning of construction. Members of the media, volunteers, donors, and the public are invited to attend and celebrate this important milestone.

For more information about the groundbreaking ceremony or Habitat for Humanity of Wausau's affordable housing initiatives, please contact Tiffany Arnold, Executive Director at 715-343-4238 or tarnold@habitatwausau.org.

About Habitat for Humanity of Wausau: 

Habitat for Humanity of Wausau’s Homeownership Program provides a zero-interest non-profit mortgage for a safe, decent, and affordable home to partner families. Each year, Habitat opens an application period for our Homeownership Program. The 2025 application period ended on Monday, March 24th, 2025.  The Family Selection Committee is currently evaluating applications for the next partner families. 

Since 1990, Habitat for Humanity of Wausau has built 73 homes in the Greater Wausau area. Habitat Wausau is currently working on Home 74 & 75 in conjunction with the DC Everest and Mosinee Highschool Construction Trades Education Program. These homes are being constructed on school grounds and will make their way to their permanent residence in the City of Wausau in May of 2025. Homes 74 & 75 will be worked on throughout the summer by Habitat Wausau volunteers and partner families.  Homes are scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2025, with home 76 scheduled to break ground later this year with completion in winter of 2025.

Habitat for Humanity of Wausau launched a Critical Home Repair Program in the Wausau area in the summer of 2024 and is assisting low-income area homeowners with small home repairs that improve the health and safety of the home.  Habitat for Humanity of Wausau currently caps critical home repair budgets to $5,000 per home. 

Wausau Habitat ReStore is one of the major funding sources for Habitat Wausau work in the area.  The Wausau Habitat ReStore, located in Weston, sells new and gently used building materials, furniture, appliances, and much more. Retail store hours are Wednesday through Friday 10am – 4pm and Saturdays from 9am - 2pm. All proceeds from our Wausau Habitat ReStore support construction projects including new home construction, critical home repairs and ramp builds.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Wausau, visit www.habitatwausau.org.