Dollars to go to MUL workshops

WHEDA Executive Director Antonio Riley (far left) presents a check for $100,000 to MUL President and CEO Ralph Hollmon (far right) and MUL board member Attorney Greg Wesley (center) at the Urban League’s offices on North Avenue. (photo by Harry Kemp)

Madison--The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) presented a $100,000 grant Tuesday to the Milwaukee Urban League (MUL) so it can provide financial literacy, homebuyer education and home improvement workshops to some of the 3,000 people the Urban League serves annually.

WHEDA Executive Director Antonio Riley made the presentation to Milwaukee Urban League President Ralph Hollmon at the MUL office, 435 West North Avenue.

"We know there is a significant homeownership gap in the African American community. The dollars that we’re able to provide today means that hundreds of people will be able to head down the path to homeownership, making their dreams become a reality," said Riley. "Few organizations are as uniquely suited to reach this many people in the African American community as well as the Milwaukee Urban League."

The Milwaukee Urban League will use the funds for the following:

o Financial Literacy: Collaborating with WHEDA lenders, the Urban League will conduct workshops on budgeting and understanding credit reports.

o Homebuyer Education Workshops: The Urban League will work with WHEDA and other partners to provide credit repair, credit counseling and mortgage loan education.

o Home Maintenance/Minor Repair Workshops: In conjunction with local hardware stores, the Urban League will offer home repair and home maintenance classes focused on preventative maintenance and property upkeep.

"While the Milwaukee Urban League is concerned about all of the issues confronting African Americans, we want to focus more attention on economic development and ways to create wealth in our community," said Hollmon. "Financial literacy and homeownership are certainly two important ways to help reach that goal."

WHEDA has had a strong relationship with the Milwaukee Urban League, most recently providing affordable housing tax credits to the Dr. Wesley Scott Center, a senior apartment community in the Metcalfe Park neighborhood developed by Gorman and Company with the Urban League.

The Milwaukee Urban League is also working with Gorman and Company, WHEDA and the City of Milwaukee on a lease-purchase program for single family homes in the Metcalfe Park area.

The Milwaukee Urban League was organized in 1919, one of numerous National Urban League affiliates established during the early 20th century. As millions of African Americans migrated north from southern states in search of greater opportunities and a better way of life, the League assisted them in their transition to urban life and job readiness. MUL continues to play a pivotal role in the community by assisting African Americans, and other persons of color, achieve economic self-reliance and equal rights through employment, economic development, and education.

WHEDA is an independent state authority that works with lenders to provide low-cost financing for housing and small business development in Wisconsin. For more information on WHEDA’s programs call 1-800-334-6873 or visit WHEDA’s Web site at www.wheda.com.