2024 RNC host committee deposits $100K to homeowner campaign by local bank

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The only minority-owned bank in Milwaukee got a big push in their effort to help 100 families become homeowners by the end of their 100th year.

Columbia Savings & Loan Association at 2020 W. Fond du Lac Ave will celebrate its 100th anniversary next September, and instead of holding a celebratory dinner, they are raising $10 million to help 100 families in Milwaukee own a home. They have dubbed it “100 by the 100th.”

Will Martin, the Executive Vice President for the bank, said it opened in 1924 with a focus on helping Milwaukeeans struggling to have enough capital to own a home during the time. Martin said this is an issue the bank recognizes residents still face today.

On Tuesday, Nov. 28., the Republican National Convention Host Committee donated to their effort, giving $100,000 to the campaign. Martin tells CBS 58 that this contribution will go far, as they have seen home closings in the Milwaukee area that are much cheaper than in surrounding suburbs.

"Today, we're having a closing. The closing is for a young African-American family for a condo that is $35,000. So when you see $100,000, we're talking about several people who will be able to become homeowners because of this one investment that the host committee is making," Marin said.

Martin said the bank made their goal of $10 million because ten loans can be given out with one million dollars in Milwaukee's North and South Side. To date, they have raised over $6 million.