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WHAT IS OPPORTUNITY MKE?
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Opportunity MKE helps families move to low-poverty, high-opportunity neighborhoods and communities where children and families can have the best opportunity to thrive.
Partners include Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council, Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Housing Authority and Waukesha Housing Authority.
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WHAT IS HIGH OPPORTUNITY AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
High-opportunity generally means neighborhoods with high performing schools, access to employment, low rates of violent crime, and access to other amenities like parks and grocery stores.
Research has shown that children from families that move from high poverty to high-opportunity neighborhoods are more likely to have significantly higher income, go to college, and less likely to be a single parent. Additional research shows mental and physical health benefits, like reduced rates of asthma, diabetes and obesity.
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PROGRAM COMPONENTS:
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Learn about Opportunity Areas in Metropolitan Milwaukee
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Financial assistance for security deposits and application fees
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Get apartment listings that match your family’s needs and goals
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How to make a good impression on landlords
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After-move check-in to help with landlord or housing units issues
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Part of a research study
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WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
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Are you or do you:
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Have at least one child age 12 or younger?
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Interested in moving to a high-opportunity area?
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Have a voucher issued by one of the three participating public housing authorities?
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Meet all the housing choice voucher program eligibility guidelines, or in compliance with all voucher program guidelines?
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Not currently reside in one of the project’s opportunity areas?
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Currently live in the state of Wisconsin?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
HAVE YOU EVER….
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Wished for a safe neighborhood for you and your children?
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Hoped for a high-performing school for your children?
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Wanted access to good grocery stores? Parks and green space?
ZIP CODE MATTERS FOR KIDS.
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Families that move from high-poverty to high-opportunity neighborhoods increase the likelihood that, later in life, children in those families families* will:
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Earn significantly higher income
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Go to college
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Not have children until married
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Have reduced rates of asthma, diabetes and obesity
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*as compared to children who stay in high-poverty neighborhoods
Opportunity Areas in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties
The map below shows areas of opportunity in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties.
Areas shaded blue denote high opportunity areas, or areas with high performing schools, access to employment, low rates of violent crime, and access to other amenities.
Contact us for more information:
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Wendy Hamilton, Program Manager