From Theory to Practice: Developing and Implementing an Asset-building Program for Milwaukee Public Housing Residents

Beginning in August 2002, I had the opportunity to complete my Professional Practice in Community Development at the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM), a mid-sized public housing authority, which provides affordable housing to low-income individuals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, through public housing, rent assistance and homeownership programs. In recent years HACM has shifted its focus away from bricks and mortar (constructing and managing low income housing) towards a more comprehensive strategy, designed to not only provide low income families and individuals with affordable housing, but also assist to residents in achieving long-term economic self-sufficiency and in escaping poverty. As such, HACM has partnered with many area organizations to develop and implement a number of self-sufficiency programs for public housing residents. As a part of my Professional Practice, I assisted in the implementation of one such program: Make Your Money Talk