Resident Stories
Empowering residents to turn housing into a foundation for growth, resilience, and lasting change.
At WHPC, we believe that stable, affordable housing is just the beginning. Many of our residents have gone on to achieve greater independence, improved well-being, and personal growth by engaging with the resident service programs offered in our portfolio. These programs connect individuals and families to critical resources that support their goals and help them thrive.
The stories shared here highlight the strength and determination of residents who have used these services to overcome challenges, build new skills, and create positive change in their lives. We invite you to explore their journeys and see how access to the right support at the right time can make all the difference.
Resident Story
Affordable Housing Fulfills Its Mission
Jeneen was the first tenant to move into City Place but her journey getting there was one of determination. It’s hard to imagine that an apartment building could inspire change. When Jeneen and her two teenage daughters needed to find a new home after a fire left them homeless, City Place was their beacon of hope.
Two years ago Jeneen was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that required hospital visits for infusions. Her condition limited her ability to work and she lost her job. She and her daughters needed to go on the W2 (Wisconsin Works) program to make ends meet. When a fire struck their apartment, they were forced to temporarily move in with family.
Needing a permanent place to live, she applied at City Place but was denied because her income from W2 was not enough to pay the rent. With encouragement, training and support from City Place management, Jeneen fast tracked her W2 program classes, found a job at Froedtert Medical Center working for her doctor and began earning more than enough to live at City Place.
Resident Story
Forming Meaningful Relationships
Lynn has lived at Brenwood for five years. After a long career, she experienced financial challenges and lost her home. Her daughter contacted Brenwood and in a short period of time secured an apartment. Now on a fixed income, Lynn is living in a beautiful apartment she can afford. She considers Brenwood her home.
During her first two years at Brenwood Lynn rarely interacted with other residents. But slowly coming out of her shell, she experienced the community and became involved. She is proud to be a greeter, introducing residents to each other and building relationships. As a “captain” she creates many of the programs and activities for residents.
“Why not get people involved and make them feel like they are important? We are one of the facilities that have the most things going on. We’ve created a community within a community.”
It was important to Lynn that Brenwood accepted pets. Pets offer a great comfort to senior citizens. Many residents have dogs and it’s a warm feeling to witness them interacting in the lobby and common areas.
Today, Lynn is actively involved in the Brenwood community and considers it her family. She credits management for creating an atmosphere that empowers residents to take charge with their lives.
Resident Story
Through the Fire
One day, Lisa arrived at her home in Chicago to discover that all she had worked for was gone. It had all burned in the fire caused by the unit above hers. However, she still had her most valuable treasures: her four children. With nowhere to go and unable to find available resources for the displaced in Chicago, Lisa moved her family to Milwaukee with nothing but each other.
Lisa found a four-bedroom apartment at Main Street Gardens, one of WHPC’s properties near downtown Milwaukee. After securing an apartment for her family, Lisa enrolled her children in school, worked with the property’s on-site Resource Coordinator to transfer her Foodshare benefits to Milwaukee so she and her family could eat. With generous donations and the help of St. Vincent de Paul, Lisa was able to get some of the items she needed to make her home functional and comfortable for her family.
There were many times that Lisa was overwhelmed, upset and exhausted, but she never gave up. She was motivated to make a difference for her children. Lisa and her family are adjusting well to their new home and lives in Milwaukee. Now that everything has settled, Lisa is continuing to work toward building a better life and is in search of a job so she can create a financially stable life for her and her children.
Resident Story
Building a Better Life Through Education
At 39, Mary, a resident at McKinley Gardens, determined it was time to break her family’s cycle of poverty and build a better life for herself. However, she lacked the necessary skills to obtain a job. Frustrated, yet dedicated, Mary knew she had to go back to school to acquire employable skills.
She enrolled at one of Milwaukee’s local educational institutions and worked diligently to learn, complete assignments and attend recommended job fairs. During her time at school, Mary discovered she was missing a key component for job hunting: a resumé. She reached out to McKinley Garden’s on-site Resource Coordinator for assistance on writing a resume and cover letter and applying to jobs online.
After a few weeks of job searching and completing applications, Mary found a job. Along with the new job, she also passed her Pre-Internship at school using the resumé and cover letter she created with the Resource Coordinator. Mary continues to work part-time and further her educational career goals through her schooling.