Wisconsin Habitat Program Offers Free Home Repairs

Volunteers with hammers, paintbrushes, and willing hearts are transforming homes across central Wisconsin one repair at a time.

Habitat for Humanity Wisconsin River Area launched its second annual Brush with Kindness last Wednesday, offering free home improvements to families who need help but can't afford contractors. The program runs through May 30 and has already lined up 15 projects across Portage and Baraboo.

Development Director John Peruzzi says volunteers are tackling the repairs that make life safer and more comfortable. They're painting garages, planting flowers, fixing wheelchair ramps, repairing siding and decks, and clearing out debris from yards.

This year's program has grown. Last year, Brush with Kindness operated only in Portage, but enthusiastic response pushed organizers to expand into Baraboo. Peruzzi says calls are coming in "from all over" requesting help.

The Werndli Charitable Fund is matching volunteer hours at $10 per hour and contributing an additional $10,000 during the initiative. Portage Walmart and ServiceMaster Restoration Services in Baraboo are sponsoring the event with donations totaling $1,500. Local chambers of commerce in both cities are spreading the word.

The program's first project this year built picnic tables for River Haven Homeless Shelter in Portage. Volunteers at Baraboo River Walk are scheduled to clean up the riverside area on April 22, Earth Day.

The Ripple Effect

Brush with Kindness provides as much labor and materials as possible at no cost to homeowners. Some families supply their own materials but need skilled hands to complete the work. For others, the Habitat chapter seeks material discounts and sponsorships to cover everything.

Bliffert Lumber, Hardware and Design in Portage is helping with materials. The program also purchases inventory from Habitat's ReStore thrift shop, creating a cycle that funds future community projects.

Peruzzi dreams bigger than an eight-week spring program. With enough sponsorships and volunteers, he wants to offer year-round help. The model proves sustainable when communities rally together.

Volunteers aren't guaranteed to finish every project they start, but they do what they can with the resources available.

Anyone interested in volunteering or requesting home repairs can call John Peruzzi at 608-370-6963 through May 31.