Long-time Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity volunteers raise funds for home in King Park

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Habitat for Humanity is a nationwide non-profit that’s known for being able to provide homes for those in need. What’s perhaps lesser known is the relationship some of the long-time volunteers called ‘Habituals’ share with each other.

"Habituals" are Milwaukee Habitat volunteers who give their time on a weekly basis to help build homes. Kelly Schlicht, the Donor Relations Manager at Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, says many of these volunteers are retired or are in a phase of life where they are about to devote many hours to service.

“It’s so amazing to see the investment that they put into our organization and they’re truly the backbone of what we do,” Schlicht said.

60 regular Habituals have donated $77,000 this year to sponsor this home in King Park. Schlicht said this marks the second straight year their collective giving has exceeded $75,000 while also donating their time to help build the home they're sponsoring.

“They’re contributing their time, their talents, but now their treasure,” Schlicht said. “That is just so heartwarming.”

Tim Wayman and Mark Rapant are ‘Habituals’ and have both spent years volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Both say they enjoy the hand-on construction and the mission of the organization.

“I grew up in Milwaukee and actually spent time in these neighborhoods,” Wayman said. “It’s so exciting to see the community doing this.”

“I think as a community, we all need to help each other out, and work with each other to make our society better,” Rampant said. “Actually, seeing it built is a big satisfaction to see the construction completed.”

While the average cost to rent in Milwaukee is more than $1,800 per month, the average cost to own is more than $2300 per month. Instead, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity’s typical monthly payment to own a brand-new home is less than $950. You can find more information about Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity here.