A recent land donation from Forward Foundation to Habitat for Humanity Waukesha–Jefferson–Rock will create three new homeownership opportunities in downtown Janesville. But the partnership is also part of a much bigger conversation about housing, economic development and the role local organizations can play in addressing one of the community's most pressing needs.
Tim Lindau of Nowlan Law, representing Forward Foundation, and Anna Rousseau of Habitat for Humanity Waukesha–Jefferson–Rock recently joined WCLO's Your Talk Show to discuss the partnership and Habitat's growing work in Janesville.
The Habitat conversation begins at approximately the 27-minute mark.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
Housing at All Levels
Forward Foundation, the charitable arm of Forward Janesville, identified housing as a priority during its most recent strategic planning process. Lindau said the challenge requires adding housing throughout the market — including both new market-rate development and affordable pathways to homeownership.
"You've got to do both. You've got to do it at the top and you've got to do it at the bottom, as well," Lindau said during the interview.
Habitat fills an important part of that equation by creating opportunities for families to become homeowners, while other development creates additional housing choices and movement throughout the market.
The Foundation's donation of two properties at 345 and 351 S. Main Street will allow Habitat to build a single-family home and a duplex, creating three owner-occupied homes near the heart of downtown Janesville.
For Lindau, the project is also an example of putting existing community assets to work.
"How can we look to incentivize and encourage in-fill development in the City of Janesville?" Lindau said. "We have land available to do it. This is one of those opporutunities. I can't tell you that eight years ago or so, when Forward Foundation board talked about this, that this is what we had in mind, Habitat coming to do it. But it's an awesome partnership to say, 'Take these lots. They're yours; let's develop.'"
Removing a Major Barrier
Rousseau, who also serves as a Forward Janesville Ambassador, said land acquisition is one of the biggest challenges Habitat faces as it works to expand homeownership opportunities.
"With the land acquisition piece, that's where organizations like the Forward Foundation come in," Rousseau said. "When they donate land to us, that's a huge thing. We're not having to acquire that ourselves."
Habitat WJR expanded into Rock County in 2025 and is now building its presence in Janesville. Rousseau said the organization sees itself as one piece of a larger community effort to address housing needs.
"It's not that we're going to change everything, but we can be part of that movement," she said.
The downtown location makes the upcoming homes especially exciting. Located across from the Janesville Performing Arts Center and near Hedberg Public Library and other downtown amenities, the project will give three families the opportunity not only to own a home, but to become part of a growing downtown neighborhood.
More Ways to Get Involved
The conversation also highlighted opportunities for individuals and businesses to get involved with Habitat — from volunteering on build days and providing financial support to helping families access financing.
Habitat is currently accepting applications from prospective homeowners. Learn more and apply to become a Habitat homeowner.
The organization is also preparing for its Acts of Courage Build Week, a military appreciation build week in September that will honor local service members while bringing volunteers together to build. Learn more about Acts of Courage.
To hear more from Lindau and Rousseau about the Forward Foundation partnership, Habitat's work in Janesville and the community's broader housing needs, listen to the full conversation on WCLO.
Again, the Habitat segment begins at approximately 27:00.
LISTEN TO THE WCLO INTERVIEW