JANESVILLE, Wis. — Habitat for Humanity Waukesha–Jefferson–Rock (Habitat WJR) opened its first completed Janesville home for public tours last week, a three-bedroom house at 1909 S. Osborne Ave. This week, the nonprofit announced a new land donation from Forward Foundation, the charitable arm of Forward Janesville, that will bring three more homeownership opportunities to the city’s downtown.
Forward Foundation has donated two lots at 345 and 351 S. Main Street, directly across from the Janesville Performing Arts Center. Habitat WJR plans to build a single-family home and a duplex on the parcels — three units in all — for owner-occupant families. Foundations for both properties are expected to be poured this fall.
The Main Street homes round out Habitat WJR’s plan to build four homes in Janesville during its first year serving Rock County, part of the affiliate’s broader strategic goal of building 20 new homes, engaging three communities annually, and completing 30 home repairs by 2033. Construction has been supported by $850,000 the City of Janesville awarded last year through the HOME Investment Partnership Program, administered by the Janesville Community Development Authority (CDA).
Forward Foundation identified affordable housing as a key issue in its most recent strategic planning process, building on the Foundation’s longstanding work focused on economic and community development. In short, Forward Foundation believes strong communities are built by investing in both people and place. Donating the Main Street lots extends that commitment by putting land the Foundation has held and invested in directly to work for new homeowners as well as supporting the implementation of the ARISE Plan as the city’s revitalized center.
“Housing is foundational to economic development — workforce, downtown vitality, and family stability,” said Mick Gilbertson, chair of Forward Foundation. “It’s exactly why affordable housing rose to the top in our most recent strategic planning process. Habitat is part of the solution for the working families who make Janesville run, and we’re proud to put this land toward homes they can afford to own. Equally exciting is the Foundation recent donation of the property for the Children Museum. Not only are we helping create homes for families but places for families to do things with their children.”
Habitat WJR leaders say the location — steps from the Performing Arts Center in one of Janesville’s most sought-after downtown areas — makes the donation especially meaningful.
“Forward Foundation is putting its own unique resources — land it has owned and invested in for years — directly to work on our community’s housing crisis,” said Melissa Songco, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Waukesha–Jefferson–Rock. “It’s a wonderful spot, and these homes will help uplift a downtown area that so many people already love.”
Habitat WJR serves families earning between 30 and 80 percent of area median income; for a family of four in Janesville, that means an annual gross income between $33,000 and $76,800 for a family of four. Families interested in homeownership can complete an interest form online at habitatwjr.org/become-a-homeowner. Architectural renderings of the planned homes at 345 and 351 S. Main Street are attached to this release.
About Habitat for Humanity Waukesha–Jefferson–Rock
Habitat for Humanity Waukesha–Jefferson–Rock partners with families, volunteers, donors, and communities to expand access to affordable housing through homeownership opportunities and critical home repairs. Since launching its expansion into Rock County in 2025, the organization has been actively building in Janesville, with additional projects recently announced in Beloit. Habitat WJR is currently constructing homes across Waukesha, Jefferson, and Rock counties and continues building partnerships that create pathways to safe, healthy, and stable housing for local families. Habitat for Humanity Waukesha–Jefferson–Rock is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Equal Housing Lender.
About Forward Foundation
Through partnerships, Forward Foundation builds, improves and promotes community assets that support an economy that is accessible and thriving for all. Founded in the 1990s as part of the re-organization of the Janesville Chamber of Commerce and The Janesville Economic Development Partnership, the Foundation focuses on the power of charitable giving to move Janesville forward. Foundation sponsored efforts have included launch of Leadership Development Academy, Chevy’s on the Square, AriseNow, JoinJanesville, Adelante Janesville, and Art Infusion.
