Fort HealthCare and Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson Partnership Brings Housing Project to Successful Completion

FORT ATKINSON – Fort HealthCare and the Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson are proud to announce the successful completion of their collaborative project to address housing instability within the community. Two families are now set to move into newly renovated transitional homes, marking a significant milestone in the joint effort to improve housing access for families in need within our community.

These properties will serve as transitional housing for families working with the Coalition to achieve long-term self-sufficiency through financial counseling, case management, and supportive services.

James Nelson, Senior Vice President of Finance and Strategic Development at Fort HealthCare, expressed his pride in the partnership: “This initiative goes beyond housing—it’s about improving the health and well-being of families in our community. Fort HealthCare is dedicated to strengthening community health, and our collaboration with the Homeless Coalition exemplifies that mission.”

The houses, now under the management of the Homeless Coalition, were renovated with the support of local businesses and volunteers. Contributions from Mike Foerster and A+ Environmental Inc., Riedl and Son Exteriors, JM Carpets, and other community partners have made these properties true homes for incoming families. Riedl and Son Exteriors generously re-roofed one of the houses at cost, and JM Carpets donated large area rugs for the family rooms. Volunteers from JP Cullen, the contractor for Fort HealthCare’s hospital renovation, completed a deep clean of the wood floors in the homes, while the Knights of Columbus Assembly 1650 and an anonymous donor provided funds for painting both properties. Additionally, St. Vincent de Paul of Fort Atkinson donated items of furniture and equipped the kitchens at no cost to the Coalition.

The Homeless Coalition’s Capital Campaign raised sufficient funds to be awarded a $100,000 grant from the Fort Community Foundation, enabling the relocation and renovation of the properties. Additional grants and donations have been allocated to a maintenance savings fund, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project.

Jerry Mitchell, President of the Homeless Coalition, expressed his gratitude to all involved: “We are immensely proud of what has been achieved here. Thanks to Fort HealthCare and the many partners who contributed to this project, we now have two homes to offer to families in need. This effort will have a lasting positive impact on our community.”

With landscaping planned for the spring by Heart of the City, these homes will continue to evolve into stable, welcoming environments for families transitioning out of homelessness. Fort HealthCare and the Homeless Coalition remain committed to improving housing access and health outcomes for local families, as part of a broader effort to foster community well-being.

Fort HealthCare and representatives from the Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson meet to celebrate the successful completion of housing project.
Pictured Left to Right – Michael Anderson, Fort HealthCare President & CEO; Sally Koehler, Fort Community Foundation; Becky Tuttle; Mike Helmich; Midge Gill, Vice President of HCFA; Sheri Bronstad; Mike Foerster, General Contractor (Front); Jerry Mitchel, President of HCFA (Back); James Nelson, Fort HealthCare CFO/SVP.