Wisconsin Fresh Start

The Wisconsin Fresh Start Program (WFS) awards funds to agencies to establish and sustain programs based on the Operation Fresh Start, Inc., service model. The program is designed to provide on-site housing construction and rehabilitation work experience, off-site academic classes and supportive services for at-risk young people.

The program provides young people with education, employment skills and career direction leading to economic self-sufficiency. The purpose of the replication effort is to establish comparable projects throughout the state using the Operation Fresh Start program in Madison as the model.

The program aims to increase the self-esteem and self-sufficiency of youths and young adults (ages 16 to 24) who evidence alcohol and other drug abuse problems; poor health and nutrition; low educational achievement; poor employment history; physical, sexual and emotional abuse or criminal histories. The program offers an educational component where participants complete classes leading to a high school equivalency diploma and a vocational component where participants learn basic home construction, rehabilitation and remodeling skills. An additional focus of the work component of the program is to rehabilitate substandard housing into well-built, mechanically sound and affordable dwellings for low- and moderate-income residents.

This program is part of the Bureau of Supportive Housing, Division of Housing & Community Development, Wisconsin Department of Commerce. It is funded through a variety of federal, state and local funding sources.

Information regarding the Fresh Start Program may be obtained by contacting Padraic Durkin (608) 267-2737.

• Per-Unit Subsidy Limits
• Max Purchase Price/Rehab Value Limits
• WFS Contacts
• Wisconsin Fresh Start Fact Sheet
• HOME Completion Report