DHS: State-local partnership recognized for effort to create affordable, safe housing in Madison

Contact: Jennifer Miller, (608) 266-1683

MADISON—State health officials today announced that a state, federal and local partnership to correct lead hazards at a housing unit is the recipient of the 2013 Fair Housing Partnership Award. The award was presented by the Wisconsin Fair Housing Network at its conference in Kenosha on Friday, April 26, for the rehabilitation of a property at 1502 Williamson Street in Madison, Wisconsin known as the Jenifer Place Project.

Since 2009, the Department of Health Services (DHS) has been using funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to correct lead hazards in housing in both Dane and Rock Counties.  DHS partnered with Common Wealth Development to remove those lead hazards from this property so that families could have an affordable, safe place to call home.

“I am extremely proud of the Jenifer Place Project because it shows how federal, state and local partners can work together to accomplish something that has a lasting impact on the lives of people—especially children,” said Secretary Kitty Rhoades. “Congratulations to everyone who saw this project through from the beginning to move-in day for these families.”

Originally built in 1917, the abandoned property was transformed to include 12 affordable apartment units that were opened for tenancy in late 2012.

Marianne Morton, CEO of Common Wealth Development, Inc. and the project’s leader, accepted the award on behalf of the partnership. Other partners acknowledged for their involvement in the Jenifer Place Project include The City of Madison HOME program, The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, Monona State Bank, and Operation Fresh Start.