It was a momentous occasion in Brown Deer for the groundbreaking ceremony of Jewish Family Services‘ Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Residences at Woodale Crossing. Woodale Crossing will be a supportive housing community, featuring 56 units of affordable and supportive senior housing. The safe, stable residence project will also offer housing for persons living with disabilities as well. Greenfire was proud to take part in the ceremony hosted by JFS, which featured remarks from key members of the project and local dignitaries. Hosted by Adam Witkov, JFS Board Chair, he thanked everyone in attendance and welcomed Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez, who applauded JFS’ efforts and stressed the importance of projects like Woodale Crossing for the betterment of the community. Rebecca Buretta, the Regional Representative for US Senator Tammy Baldwin and Maria Ayala, the Representative for US Representative Gwen Moore were in attendance and gave words of encouragement. Local representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services also spoke, including James Mathy, Housing Administrator and Shakita LaGrant-McClain, Director, as well as Village of Brown Deer Trustee Priscilla Hightower Thompson spoke to the importance of Woodale Crossing towards the housing of vulnerable residents of Brown Deer and Milwaukee County. It was great to hear from members of the JFS team, including Shelby Guendel, JFS Community Case Management Supervisor, and Sharon Jackson, JFS Community Resource Coordinator. JFS President and CEO John Yopps reiterated gratitude to everyone in attendance and those who made the project commencement possible, but also welcomed to the podium Elmer Moore, WHEDA Chief Executive Officer to offer kind words and congratulations to everyone involved in Woodale Crossing. Everyone involved in the project took turns ceremoniously putting shovel to dirt, to commemorate the beginning construction. JFS also gifted everyone in attendance specialty bottled Root Beers, “Wood Ale” and “Woo Brew Low Calorie”. An artist even painted the groundbreaking ceremony in real time. Greenfire looks forward to beginning the construction of Woodale Crossing and adding vital supportive housing to Brown Deer.
