ELLSWORTH – St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity (SCVHFH) will break ground March 27 on the first of three properties purchased in Ellsworth last year. Current Ellsworth resident Taylor Johnson, and her two children, will become the eventual homeowners. The new construction project will be a single-family home at 243 W. Panther Drive. 

The 2022 Ellsworth Comprehensive Plan indicated residents’ overwhelming interest in new single-family and twin home construction. 

“The demand for affordable housing far outweighs the available options, presenting a formidable challenge to our community's vitality,” Ellsworth Village President Becky Beissel said. “Habitat's mission aligns seamlessly with our vision for a more sustainable Ellsworth. By collaborating with Habitat, we can leverage their expertise, resources, and commitment to building affordable homes, thus expanding housing opportunities for our workforce.”

SCVHFH partners with families who qualify for a home based on income, need and ability to partner on the construction of their homes. 

“Our next homeowner, Taylor Johnson, is a healthcare worker; a wonderful example of how Habitat helps meet the workforce housing challenge facing so many of the communities we serve,” SCVHFH Board President Gina Moe-Knutson said. “As a Realtor, I am reminded each day of the tremendous inventory challenge low-to-moderate income families are facing in Western Wisconsin. We are excited to be helping three families across Pierce and St. Croix Counties with homes this Spring.”

The Ellsworth groundbreaking ceremony takes place Wednesday, March 27 at 1 p.m. at the construction site (243 W. Panther Drive) and is open to the public. 

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity helps families with safe, affordable housing. In 1996, community members recognized the critical need to bring people together to build housing, communities and hope and founded the local, nonprofit Habitat affiliate. In its tenure, SCV Habitat for Humanity has partnered with more than eighty-four families in Pierce and St. Croix Counties to help achieve the goal of home ownership.

Visit scvhabitat.org for homeowner and volunteer information and to support the mission to help families on the path to generational wealth. Steel Toes & Stilettos Gala is March 23 at Tattersall Distilling. Funds raised will support a home build for a veteran. Registration is online at scvhabitat.org

Submitted by St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity