“A city has to be responsible to its residents to provide affordable housing.” — Esther Sanchez
The city of Shawano Housing Authority (HA) provides adequate and affordable housing and a suitable safe environment free from discrimination.
To be eligible for housing, the family’s gross annual income may not exceed the applicable income limit, which is established and revised annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Every fiscal year, the housing authority must reserve a minimum of 75 percent of its rental assistance for families whose incomes do not exceed 30 percent of the area median income. The remainder must have gross annual incomes that fall within the very low income limit.
The housing authority consists of six properties:
• Elizabeth Manor was built in 1981. It contains 31 one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment.
• Parkside Apartments is an 80-unit building built in 1967. It contains 79 one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment.
• Richmond Court, built in 1981, contains eight duplexes. There are six two-bedroom and two three-bedroom units.
• The eight duplexes on Military Road were built in 1983. They contain four two-bedroom and four three-bedroom units.
• The Acorn Street facilities were built in 1983. They consist of 16 duplexes; 12 two-bedroom and four three-bedroom units.
• The building on Oak Street has one upstairs apartment and on the lower level there are two one-bedroom units.
The executive director of the housing authority is Todd Buettner. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He holds numerous public housing certifications.
Buettner commented, “I have lived in Shawano all but six years of my life. I met my wife while in college. We have one son who is 13 years old.”
Buettner continued, “I am a member of Rotary and I am currently participating in the Shawano County Leadership 2014 program.”
Buettner added, “I enjoy my work. I especially like the people who live here. This is their home and I do whatever I can to make it a comfortable and enjoyable place for them to reside.”
Buettner does a wonderful job of relating to the residents and attending to their needs. He is also responsible for adhering to the rules and regulations established by HUD.
Other employees include Michael Timm and John Phalen III (maintenance), Jill Kamke (occupancy specialist) and Rebecca LaLonde (custodian).
The Housing Authority Board consists of chairperson Joel Whitehouse, vice chairperson Paul Winter, Ed Whealon, Brian Retzlaff, Peter Rodgers and City Council representative Fred Ponschok. The term for board members is five years.
Lynn Johnson has lived at Elizabeth Manor since 2000. I had the opportunity to visit with her and asked if she liked living there. She remarked “I couldn’t be more pleased. The people in charge are so totally committed. When we need something repaired, it is generally taken care of the same day.”
Johnson continued, “I can’t say enough good things about Todd Buettner. He is so conscientious, he is absolutely wonderful. This morning he had to go to a conference, but he was here early this morning tending to business before he left.”
Parkside resident and board member Peter Rodgers has resided at Parkside for seven years. Rodgers commented, “There are lots of nice people living here. Something I think I will bring up at the next board meeting is the idea of a part-time activity director or someone who would organize some events for the residents. That might give us all a chance to associate with one another a little more.”
Maria Haskins and her daughter lived in one of the duplexes on Acorn Street for three years. Haskins commented, “During my time here I have been able to attend school and earn my bachelor’s degree in social work. Raising a daughter and going to school full time has not been easy, but the HA helped me when I needed it.”
Haskins continued, “I am in the process of moving now. Although I could still stay here and adjust my rent, I do not want to take advantage of this program. Maybe another young family might need the help more than I do now.”
Haskins continued, “The employees of the HA were always there for me. They were wonderful. I am happy I can support my daughter and myself now.”
Currently there are no vacancies in the housing authority facilities. You can stop at 951 Elizabeth St. or call 715-524-2132 for inquiries.
The answer to the last trivia question — Who owned Mehlberg’s Bakery in 1976? — is Donald VandeWalle.
This week’s question is: What well-known sports figure attended the 1967 Parkside Apartments groundbreaking ceremony?
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