"A win all the way around:" Transforming a foreclosed building into a house of hope

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It doesn't look like much now, but in a matter of months a boarded up building will become home for six young adults.

"We call it campus housing. These are for youth that have that can do attitude and are motivated. It would be no different from living in a dorm at UWM or Marquette," Journey House CEO Michele Bria said.

The city of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and Journey House (a social services organization) are teaming up to make this happen. Journey House is planning to acquire several properties to make them available for young people 18 to 25 who are aging out of foster care.

"Instead of going from having a home to no home, they've got a stable place where they can start rebuilding their lives from. It's just a win all the way around," said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele.

The Milwaukee County Foreclosure Initiative is providing Journey House with $290,000 in no interest loans and grants to rehab the building.

Journey House only had to spend one $1 to purchase the building from the city.

"We're happy to do it because we want to have people living in these homes because as they sit here empty, they become attractive nuisances," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

As Journey House representatives, along with Mayor Barrett and County Executive Abele signed an agreement to help motivated youth with housing, it gave a sense of hope to a neighborhood and young people looking to make changes for the better.

Journey House officials say they hope to have the building renovations complete in a matter of months.

For more information on how to receive services from Journey House, CLICK HERE.