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The Dominican Center's 3rd Annual Parade of Homes on September 9th gave more than 80 people, including Ald. Wade and his 4-year old son Matthew, the opportunity to see the outstanding benefits of the Dominican Center's housing rehab program. Two trolley cars and a tour guide took the participants to five homes in the inner city neighborhood bordered by W. Hadley and W. Keefe, from N. 20th to N. 25th Streets.
The Dominican Center, located at 2470 W. Locust St. in the 7th District, buys tax-deed homes from the city that may have otherwise been razed. The center then links a prospective homeowner with construction professionals and volunteers to rehab the property. To date there have been 57 homes in the program, and most of the participants are first time homeowners. "The rehabs were very impressive and the pride that the homeowners showed in their homes was obvious," said Ald. Wade. "The program provides many challenges for the Dominican Center and buyers, but the formula of commitment plus education has equaled success," he added.
The Dominican Center requires an investment of time, money and work by the homeowners, who must invest their own money as a down payment before the center and others provide matching funds. Bartering grants are also available, allowing homeowners to receive an additional $1,000 for every 50 hours they spend working on neighboring projects.
The City of Milwaukee supports the program by offering assistance from the Department of City Development, Health Department, Housing Authority and Community Development Block Grant Program. "I congratulate the new homeowners and thank the Dominican Center for its outstanding contributions to the city," said Ald. Wade. "This is an excellent program that I will continue to support in the future."
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