In January 2022, Harmony Housing Partners of Wisc. (HHP) was formally created as a non profit corporation to explore development of a safe, affordable, and inclusive place for disabled adults to live with other members of the community in Columbia County. The first 2+ years were dedicated to establishing community contacts and supporters, learning all we could about support services, amenities and available properties in various communities, and fundraising.
What is HHP doing now?
In June of 2024, HHP found an ideal location in the new Rolling Prairie subdivision in Portage and worked with Vine Consulting as the landowners’ representative to confirm the vision would fit on the chosen location. After HHP obtained general concept approval from the Portage Plan Commission, the process of finding a non profit developer became the focus. In Fall of 2024, Impact 7 chose the location and concept proposed by HHP and went to work. In December 2024, Impact 7 purchased the Rolling Prairie lots and submitted an application for Low Income Housing Tax Credits to the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) to develop the Rivers Crossing Apartments in Portage. During the Winter of 2024-25, Impact 7 and HHP received all City of Portage zoning approvals.
In March 2025, WHEDA selected Rivers Crossing as one of the development projects slated for the 2025-26 funding cycle. A portion of the units will be designed and set aside for people with disabilities and veterans.
HHP is actively involved in the design of Rivers Crossing with a goal of accommodating all types of disabilities. Construction will commence in Spring 2026. Applications will be accepted beginning in Fall 2026 with planned occupancy in Spring 2027.
HHP will have an ongoing presence at Rivers Crossing to assist disabled residents and to facilitate inclusion and community. HHP will operate in Rivers Crossing but will not own or manage the building, nor provide personal care and support services.
Our Mission and Vision:
Harmony Housing Partners (HHP) was formed by parents, educators, and caregivers of individuals with disabilities who worry and wonder about their future happiness: “What happens when the children I love, educate and care for become adults?” “Where will they call home?” “Will they continue to learn, mature, and thrive?” “How can I provide an option to living with aging parents?”
Modeled after the great work done by “Home of Our Own” and the development of Prairie Haus in New Glarus, HHP was created to assist in the development, funding, and operation of affordable residential housing for disabled adults to fulfill the dream of living independently in a community with residents of different ages and abilities. HHP will focus on the principles of integration and inclusion to strive to provide an enjoyable and stimulating living experience for all residents.
Housing is a human right- everyone is entitled to safe, happy, long term housing options, not just the opportunity to be placed on a long waiting list.
Who are the people behind HHP?
The Board of Directors is currently comprised of seven people with very personal and vested interests in the goals outlined above:
Ena Seiler Carson, Poynette/Rio (parent)
Debbie Fischer, Madison (educator/caregiver)
Michelle Kratz, Portage (educator/caregiver)
Mary Jean Seiler, Lancaster (grandparent/retired educator)
Ben Conklin, Madison (educator)
Denise Horn, Janesville (counselor/advocate)
JoEllen Haberlie, Milwaukee (educator)
How can I help?
HHP needs dedicated people and funds to make this happen. First we want to spread the news of HHP’s mission and purpose throughout Wisconsin to future residents as well as potential community partners. Second, we need to raise funds to make these dreams a reality. Third, we need people with experience in a variety of fields to aid in each step from site location through development, to occupancy for residents and supportive care.
Publicity:
Share HHP’s mission and vision with friends, family, co-workers and social media pages.
Membership:
We are recruiting members to join HHP at the annual cost of $35. An HHP membership will provide you with a copy of the newsletter and updates on activities of HHP, attend board meetings, and be eligible to run for a seat on the Board of Directors and election as an Officer.