Author: Kristi Luzar

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That’s a wrap! 5 Days of Carnival Milwaukee 2022

By: Kristi Luzar  |  News & Events

Held February 28 – March 4, 2022, our 14th annual Carnival Milwaukee fundraiser was a week-long virtual celebration that focused on giving back to the local businesses and partners that have supported UEDA and this event over the years. During the 5 Days of Carnival Milwaukee celebration we:

  • Partnered with 4 restaurants for Dining Deals (Amilinda, Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen, Orenda Cafe, Sam’s Place Jazz Cafe).
  • Had 100+ attendees at our virtual “Fat Tuesday Fun Day” lunchtime event.
  • Distributed 90+ goodie bags featuring local products from Kilwin’s, Swaye Tea and our sponsors.
  • Provided 23+ hours of Carnival-themed content via email and social media.

Additionally, we recognized ArtWorks for Milwaukee as our fifth Carnival Milwaukee Bridge Builder, an award that “recognizes a community member or partner for their efforts to honor diversity and connect people and places through the expression of culture in food, art, music and space.”

A longtime member of the UEDA Community, ArtWorks for Milwaukee’s commitment to connecting youth to experiences that foster creativity and learning through people and place, while lifting up Milwaukee’s diverse neighborhoods, exemplifies the spirit of this award. They join previous Bridge Builder Awardees Diverse Dining, VIA CDC, Milwaukee Public Library, and 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, who are all shaping our community in creative ways!

Along with our Sponsors, nearly 60 individuals made contributions to UEDA, helping to support program areas that focus on stable rental housing, sustainable homeownership, financial inclusion, and small business support. also, through our Dining Deals, individual donations, and event sponsorships, we were able to invest more than $3,600 into 17+ local, small businesses that have supported this event in the past!

Throughout the 14 year history of Carnival Milwaukee, UEDA has had the privilege to work with many local food enterprises who have been an integral part of what makes this annual fundraiser so special. We hope you will continue to support them as they have supported UEDA!  View UEDA’s Carnival Milwaukee Food Tasting Feature Here

 

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 SPONSORS

UEDA 2022 Carnival Milwaukee Sponsor images

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Take Root Celebrates 10 Years of Promoting Sustainable Homeownership in Milwaukee

By: Kristi Luzar  |  News & Events

In August of 2021, Take Root Milwaukee (TRM) celebrated 10+ years of helping Milwaukee citizens purchase, repair and maintain their homes. The celebration, which was postponed from 2020, brought together participants from over 50 organizations to reflect on the progress of the program and envision what the future of homeownership in Milwaukee could look like.

Take Root Milwaukee was launched in 2010 as a partnership with the City of Milwaukee and Freddie Mac. It is a collaborative effort, from a diverse group of organizations, to preserve and promote sustainable diverse neighborhoods by encouraging and maintaining homeownership.

“The birth of Take Root Milwaukee came out of the foreclosure crisis,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “It allowed realtors, counselors, neighbors and community groups to work with the city to stabilize housing in Milwaukee.”

The celebration welcomed Joaquin Altoro, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), who provided guests with inspiring opening remarks, and Mayor Tom Barrett, who has been a strong advocate and supporter of the network since its launch in 2010.

Krisit Luzar, UEDA Executive Director, and Johanna Jimenez, Take Root Milwaukee Program Manager, shared insight into how this network was formed and how it has continued to grow and evolve over the years to meet the needs of the community. It is currently a program of UEDA.

Additionally, members of the TRM Resource & Oversight Committee recognized both Kristi Luzar and Jessica Wetzel of UEDA with a Certificate of Recognition for their commitment to Take Root Milwaukee and the success it has brought to the Milwaukee-area residents it serves.

Over the past decade, Take Root Milwaukee has brought together 54+ organizational members, representing homeownership counseling agencies, financial institutions, realtors, local government, neighborhood organizations and other community partners.  Together, they have helped 7,600+ individuals and families become homeowners, and nearly 7,000 individuals and families complete critical repairs in their homes.

To learn more about Take Root Milwaukee, check out our 10 Year Impact Report and watch our Anniversary Celebration video below.