Groundbreaking Ceremony: VIA’s Affordable Model Home Initiative

This September, we broke ground on the first home of our Affordable Model Home Initiative, a project that develops new entry-level homes on Milwaukee’s vacant lots for first time home buyers. This initiative directly responds to Milwaukee’s gap in affordable housing and the collective goals of the city’s affordable housing strategic plan. This is the first of three homes that will be used to showcase the model to other developers, housing organizations and potential homebuyers. 

This project marks a shift for VIA’s affordable housing development program (the Turnkey program) from renovating foreclosed homes to developing new construction homes. The development of new entry-level homes on vacant lots offers a new solution to the city’s affordable housing crises, as well as a homeownership opportunity for for income-qualified families aspiring to be homeowners in the near southside and northside.

Active Street Events on Pierce Street

In partnership with the City of Milwaukee’s Department of Public Works, VIA is activating the blocks of Pierce Street between 21st-26th streets by closing down the blocks to traffic for a series of community events. This past month, VIA hosted two free Zumba sessions where neighbors came together to participate in a health and wellness activity. Dance Studio 611 guided neighbors through fun and body activating activity.

Don’t miss out on upcoming Active Street events.

Shea Block Party

Shea Park is a pocket park along National Avenue that is in need of reactivation! VIA hosted a Block Party focused on Shea Park to bring together interested neighbors & initiate conversations on Shea Park renovations. Neighbors were able to engage with the Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa and the VIA team. There was music, delicious food, a bounce house, and lots of  fun. If you're interested in supporting the Shea Garden activation or organizing a block project or block party on your block, contact Kevin at kevin@viacdc.org or 414-409-3845.

Silver City InterNational Festival

Thank you to all who attended VIA’s 12th annual Silver City InterNational Festival! This year, VIA showcased the diversity and culture of our community to over 1200 attendees through 35+ vendors, free kids activities, 9 art and music acts which included True Skool, Latin Sound System, Sindoolaa, Browns Crew and more.

We hope to see you again next year (the festival is held the Saturday after Labor Day)!



October 5th

Neighborhood Walk

October 3th, 5th, 7th, 14th

Active Streets



October 21st

 VIA’s Spooktacular Day

• 12th annual event to celebrate diversity and culture in Silver City
• VIA Community Development Corporation hosts Silver City InterNational Festival
• A street festival looks to represent one of Milwaukee’s most vibrant neighborhoods
• VISIT Milwaukee previews September's event calendar in the city
• Autoridades dan a conocer programa de vivienda asequible en Milwaukee
• VIA CDC’s Affordable Houses Are Test of New Building Technique
• Milwaukee near south side organization turning vacant lots into affordable, family homes
• VIA CDC is building entry-level homes for new buyers

Join the VIA Team!

We are currently hiring an Economic Development Manager/Director (Bilingual: Español/English).

The Economic Development Manager/Director will drive strategy and execute VIA’s grassroots

Neighborhood Economic Development programming and be a key leader in supporting VIA’s mission to be a partner in building strong and healthy neighborhoods where all of us can thrive.

Learn more and apply today.