We build because we believe that access to safe, decent and affordable housing is a basic human right that should be available to all. Wolf River Habitat for Humanity was officially incorporated on December 12, 1997; and our affiliation with Habitat for Humanity International was approved August 1, 1998. Then, as committees were formed, contacts made with churches and other organizations of the area, and fundraising events took place, many volunteers came to help with renovation of the Lutheran Indian Mission, located north of Gresham. Groundbreaking for our first Habitat home took place April 22, 2000, on a donated lot in the Town of Wescott. We are especially thankful for the Christian principles on which Habitat was founded, many answers to prayer, wonderful volunteers, and the twelve homes that have been finished (four in Menominee County, and eight in Shawano County.) We offer homeownership opportunities to families who are unable to obtain conventional house financing. Generally, this includes those whose income is 30 to 50 percent of Shawano/Menominee Counties median income. Prospective Habitat homeowner families make a $500 down payment. Additionally, they contribute 300 to 500 hours of “sweat equity” on the construction of their home or someone else’s home. Because Habitat houses are built using donations of land, material and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable. Mortgages run 20-25 years.
