Wisconsin Habitat Volunteers Tackle Free Home Repairs

Volunteers across Wisconsin are rolling up their sleeves to make homes safer and more beautiful, one small project at a time.

Habitat for Humanity Wisconsin River Area launched its second annual "Brush with Kindness" initiative last Wednesday. The program runs through May 30 and offers completely free minor home repairs to residents in Baraboo and Portage.

The initiative expanded this year after operating only in Portage last year. Development Director John Peruzzi says calls for help have poured in "from all over."

Volunteers are tackling projects like painting garages, planting flowers, fixing ramps, repairing siding and decks, and hauling away debris. About 15 projects are already scheduled, with no upper limit on how many the team can complete.

The Werndli Charitable Fund is matching volunteer hours at $10 per hour and contributing an additional $10,000 during the campaign. They're also matching all donations to Wisconsin River Area through June 30.

Local businesses are stepping up too. Portage Walmart and Baraboo's ServiceMaster Restoration Services are sponsoring the event with $1,500 in donations. Bliffert Lumber, Hardware and Design in Portage is helping with materials at discounted rates.

The program provides as much labor and materials as possible at zero cost. Some homeowners provide their own materials but need the helping hands. For others, Habitat seeks sponsorships and purchases discounted inventory from its ReStore.

The Ripple Effect

This year's first project set the tone for what's possible. Volunteers built picnic tables for River Haven Homeless Shelter in Portage, creating gathering spaces where people experiencing homelessness can find community.

Volunteers will also clean up the Baraboo River Walk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 22, Earth Day. The effort connects environmental care with community building.

Peruzzi dreams bigger than a spring campaign. If sponsorships keep coming, the program could run year-round instead of just during a fixed period.

Anyone needing help or wanting to volunteer can call Development Director John Peruzzi at 608-370-6963 through May 31.