UMOS Housing Program
The UMOS housing department began in response to the chronic need experienced by
migrant workers coming to Wisconsin. Many migrant workers experienced
homelessness early in each season, and UMOS' supportive services often became
overburdened as a result. In response, UMOS sought a more systemic solution to
the migrant housing issue by developing farm labor housing for migrant
families. Thus, UMOS began its expansion of housing activities that has
included efforts to impact the total spectrum of housing needs for its service
populations, including not only provision of supportive services, but the
development of physical assets for housing and other service delivery,
advocacy, education for renters and homebuyers, and home financing.
The goal of the UMOS Housing Department is to provide a continuum of services
that will impact the full spectrum of need experienced by the people we serve.
UMOS Purchases New Apartments
In October of 2006, UMOS purchased the former Vista Flores Apartments from La
Raza Farm Labor Housing, Inc. The apartments are now known as the UMOS
Jefferson Apartments, located in Jefferson, Wisconsin. UMOS, through a
USDA/Rural Development 514/516 loan/grant, will renovate the 16-unit, two, and
three bedroom apartments, both interior and exterior. Renovations will include
new roofs, bathrooms, kitchens, doors, windows, and parking lot.
Housing Programs include:
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Seasonal Rental Housing for Migrants at the Aurora Center in New Berlin,
Wisconsin, the Montello Center in Montello, Wisconsin and the Claremont Center
in Claremont, Wisconsin.
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Transitional Rental Housing Services for Farmworkers at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
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Eight-State Migrant Housing Consortium program in Midwestern states (DOL 167
Housing).
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Fifteen-State Technical Assistance project, providing technical assistance to
organizations in developing Farm Labor Housing under USDA 514/516 USDA 514/516.
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Rent Smart Education program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Technical assistance also provided to Migrant Housing Consortium partners in
the Midwest.