Fort HealthCare’s Partnership with Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson

FORT ATKINSON – Fort HealthCare is pleased to announce its collaboration with the Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson to address the housing needs of families within our community. The project underscores Fort HealthCare’s commitment to helping improve the health and well-being of our communities.

James Nelson, Senior Vice President of Finance and Strategic Development at Fort HealthCare, shared details of the initiative, emphasizing the importance of community partnership. “Fort HealthCare is dedicated to contributing to the health and well-being of our community. We believe in the power of collaboration, and our partnership with the Homeless Coalition is a testament to that commitment.”

As part of the collaboration, Fort HealthCare is providing two homes and the accompanying lots to the Homeless Coalition. The homes will be sold to the Homeless Coalition at the cost of relocation, and the remaining properties will be put on the market, including the fifth vacant lot.

Becky Tuttle, Vice President of the Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson, highlighted the efforts and support received from Fort HealthCare. Tuttle noted, “Enough can’t be said about the Homeless Coalition’s partnership with Fort HealthCare. Not only the financial support, but the help in managing and contracting the project. They went above and beyond.”

Tuttle elaborated on the comprehensive nature of the project, stating, “Families that will live in the homes will learn how to take care of and maintain their homes. The director of the Homeless Coalition will make visits and check in with the families, ensuring participation in financial counseling and adherence to rules for maintaining the homes.”

The Homeless Coalition successfully ran a Capital Campaign, raising a total of $175,000 from community partners. The Fort Community Foundation doubled the amount earned by the Homeless Coalition in their campaign. With earnings of $50,000, the Fort Foundation donated an additional $100,000. The Homeless Coalition also received a $25,000 grant to support the sustainability of the project through a maintenance savings fund.

Mike Foerster, General Contractor for the project, also deserves recognition for his contribution to this project. His company, A+ Environmental Inc., is making a substantial impact by donating their time and resources to ensure the successful completion of the project for the Homeless Coalition. Operating at cost, the company is not only overseeing the relocation of the homes but is also donating the profits that would have been received back to the Coalition.

Foerster is actively subcontracting other companies to contribute to the project, with Riedl and Son installing a new roof for one of the homes and donating $2,500 back to the Homeless Coalition. Home Backup Systems, LLC in Fort Atkinson has also offered to do the electrical work in the homes at cost. Foerster anticipates further support from additional subcontractors as the project progresses, emphasizing the widespread belief in and commitment to the Coalition’s impactful initiatives within the community.

Nelson also highlighted, “This initiative is more than just relocating houses. It’s a mission-driven project aimed at improving the health and well-being of the Fort Atkinson community. We are proud to be part of this effort to provide housing solutions for families in need within our community.”