Turnkey program
Affordable Housing Development
VIA’s Turnkey Program was established in the wake of the economic crisis in 2008 after VIA heard from neighbors that an increase in blighted, foreclosed properties were affecting their quality of life. Since then, VIA has been developing and selling properties as a certified Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) by combining its borrowing capacity with public subsidies, corporate philanthropic support and community partnerships.
Between 2008-23, VIA invested over $6 million to purchase, renovate and sell 33 homes to owner-occupant families in Milwaukee by transforming vacant bank and city-owned properties into fully-renovated, move-in ready homes and selling them to income-qualified (<80% of the County Median Income) households, with a focus on the homeowners representing the neighborhood demographics
VIA’s Turnkey Program achieves multiple goals: addressing foreclosures and vacant lots, increasing affordable homeownership opportunities, reducing crime and increasing neighborhood home values near each home development, combating housing displacement, employing minority-owned contractors and providing a safe and “turnkey ready” home for families to increase wealth.
In 2023, VIA shifted our work from renovation to new construction through the development of entry-level homes on Milwaukee‘s vacant lots. This shift responds to the collective goals of Milwaukee’s affordable housing strategic plan, focusing on increasing Black and Latino homeownership and addressing the city’s gap in affordable, entry-level homes.
NEW CONSTRUCTION – Affordable Townhome Initiative
In 2026 VIA is creating new pathways to homeownership through its Affordable Townhome Initiative, bringing high-quality, attainable homes to Milwaukee’s near South Side. The $3.23 million initiative will create 10 new owner-occupied townhomes on formerly vacant City-owned lots. Designed for households earning at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), these homes offer an opportunity for income-qualified buyers to purchase a home, build equity, and invest in their financial future while becoming part of an established Milwaukee neighborhood.
Homes are projected to sell for approximately $130,000, providing an attainable option for working families who are ready to take the next step toward homeownership.
Each townhome will feature:
- 1,330 Sq Ft
- Two Stories
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Full Bathrooms
- First Floor Open Concept
- Unfinished Basement
- 1 Car Parking Pad
- 2 Entrances
- Covered Porch
- New Appliances Included
- Front/Back Townhome Style
Interested in becoming a homeowner? Learn more about who may qualify below.
These townhomes are intended for income-qualified households who plan to occupy the home as their primary residence.
Eligibility Requirements
- Owner-occupancy
- Household income below 80% area median income
- 8 hours of HUD approved home buyer counseling
- Loan Preapproval Letter
- Head of Household must not have owned a home in the last three years
Interested in Learning More?
Applications are not currently open. If you have questions, would like to stay updated as the project moves forward, or want to be notified when the application process opens, contact Luis Reynoso, Housing Outreach & Planning Coordinator at 414-208-4425 or luis@viacdc.org.
NEW CONSTRUCTION – Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Home Initiative
VIA partnered with LISC Milwaukee and the Community Development Alliance to develop the homes for the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Home initiative – a project focused on clustering homes around Early Childhood Education centers with the intent that they be sold to Early Childhood Educators to increase employee retention at the early childhood center by providing childhood educators with housing opportunities within a few mile radius of work.
In 2026 VIA developed 20 of the initiative’s 42 new construction homes across the near South Side, Washington Park, Metcalfe Park, and Amani neighborhoods. The homes were sold for $100,000–$105,000, helping more Black and Latino families achieve homeownership.
New Construction Homes feature the following:
- 1,116 sq ft
- 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath
- Front porch
- Vaulted Ceiling
- 2 Car parking pad
- New roof
- New furnace
- Basement includes 3 egress windows and rough-in plumbing for future living space
- New Appliances included: Washer/Dryer, Dishwasher, Stove, Refrigerator, Microwave
RENOVATION WORK:
VIA’s Turnkey Program transforms vacant bank and city-owned properties into fully-renovated, move-in ready homes, sold to income-qualified (<80% of the County Median Income) households, with a focus on the homeowners representing the neighborhood demographics.
Since the program’s founding in 2008, VIA has invested over $6 million to purchase, renovate and sell 33 homes to owner-occupant families in Milwaukee.
The Turnkey Program was established in the wake of the economic crisis in 2008 after VIA heard from neighbors that an increase in blighted, foreclosed properties were affecting their quality of life. Since then, VIA has been acquiring, renovating and selling properties to income-qualified families by combining our borrowing capacity with public subsidies, corporate philanthropic support and community partnerships.
Turnkey Renovated Homes typically feature the following upgrades:
- Energy efficiency improvements including new heating and cooling equipment, windows, insulation and air sealing
- Restored original woodwork including hardwood floors, built-in cabinets and trim
- Fully remodeled kitchens and bathrooms
- New roof
- New plumbing and electrical systems
To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
- Total household income below 80% of the county median income
- Homebuyer counseling course certificate (see above partner organizations who offer this)
- A plan to own and reside in the home for at least 5 years
For more information, please contact: Housing Outreach & Planning Coordinator, 414-208-4425 or luis@viacdc.org .