Housing Initiatives, Inc.

Summary: The Partnership assisted in the creation of this Madison-based CHDO, which provides community-based housing for people with mental illnesses. Housing Initiatives now owns and manages a number of apartments in the Madison area.  Development of a 9-unit apartment complex was completed in early 2005. To contact Housing Initiatives, call 608.277.8330.

Wisconsin Partnership's role: CHDO/Homeless TA provider

Staff contact: Kristin Silva

Status of work: Completed in 2005

During the mid-1990s, the Partnership worked with a local steering committee to conceptualize and establish this nonprofit corporation that specializes in working with people with mental illnesses, especially those who have experienced homelessness. With the Partnership's help, HI secured HOME and CDBG funding to encourage developers of affordable housing to make homes and apartments available to 34 people with mental illnesses.

Later, working under our CHDO TA contract with HUD, the Partnership helped HI achieve CHDO status, launch a housing development program, and design Wisconsin's first Shelter + Care Program, which continues to serve Dane County. With the Partnership's assistance, HI received a 4% loan from WHEDA's Homeless Loan Program. Funds were used to purchase a building with four apartments, which HI now owns and manages. HI also used the WHEDA program to refinance previously developed properties bought with conventional loans.

In 2003 HI asked for technical assistance with development of a 9-unit apartment complex. The Partnership secured grant funds from the Affordable Housing Program of the Chicago Federal Home Loan Bank, which allowed this ambitious project to move forward. The Partnership also assisted with budgets, development pro formas, contractor selection and other matters until project completion in 2005. 

The Partnership also assisted HI with the purchase of a number of condominiums within a condo-conversion project. These condos will be rented to HI clients.