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What connects Clay Matthews, Lowe’s employees, and an aspiring homeowner in Green Bay? They have all contributed to the same Habitat for Humanity project.
In an effort to promote affordable housing in the Green Bay area during the NFL draft, a collaboration has emerged between the NFL, Lowe’s, and the Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity. “It’s crucial for the NFL to positively impact the community it visits,” remarked Jessica Diederich, CEO of Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity.
On April 24, volunteers from Lowe’s from various locations in Wisconsin, including cities like Oshkosh and Wauwatosa, gathered in Green Bay to help with construction for Habitat for Humanity. Clad in blue jerseys with “Lowe’s 25,” they set about installing drywall and siding on three neighboring homes.
They were joined by Clay Matthews, a Hall of Famer from the Green Bay Packers, who was seen working diligently on-site with a hard hat and hair tied back. “He will engage with us on the build and learn more about our mission,” Diederich noted prior to Matthews’ arrival. “His involvement helps bring attention to Habitat for Humanity and the vital work we’re doing within the community.”
Linking the NFL Draft to Habitat for Humanity
Whenever the NFL draft occurs in a city that partners with Habitat for Humanity, the league and Lowe’s take the opportunity to connect with the local organization, creating initiatives like Matthews’ visit.
Moreover, the NFL contributes materials from the draft stage to Habitat for Humanity, allowing them to repurpose these resources in their construction efforts.
“They are incredibly considerate throughout this entire process, recognizing the impact it has on the community,” mentioned Diederich. “Their involvement ensures a long-lasting impact, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”
The homes being built are designated for families with low incomes. While they are not free, families purchase the homes with zero interest on their mortgage and are required to participate in the building process themselves.
Impact of the Build and the NFL Draft on Green Bay
The three homes being worked on by Matthews and his fellow volunteers are part of a broader initiative where Habitat for Humanity aims to construct a total of 15 homes by the upcoming fall. This volunteer effort also sheds light on the critical need for affordable housing in the city as property prices continue to rise.
Currently, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness is at its highest rate since 2014, with housing assistance being the predominant request from Brown County residents in 2024, according to 211 Wisconsin. They recorded 4,630 housing assistance referrals, significantly higher than the next largest category of need, which was hunger assistance with 1,170 referrals.
State Senator Jamie Wall, representing Green Bay, articulated during the Habitat for Humanity build that his experience running for office heightened his awareness of the pressing need for affordable housing.
“We aren’t New York City or even Madison, but housing costs are climbing in our area,” Wall observed. “It’s increasingly challenging for residents to obtain that first mortgage. Renters are feeling the pinch as their rental rates rise in line with housing costs.”
The NFL draft, however, provides a platform for initiatives like Habitat for Humanity to thrive. Support and donations from the NFL considerably enhance efforts in smaller cities like Green Bay, as highlighted by Mayor Eric Genrich.
In addition to the material support, events like the draft attract visitors to the city. “Once they experience what we offer, they might choose to stay,” Wall remarked. “Living here is appealing. There’s potential for newcomers to establish roots by raising families, starting businesses, and aiding in building houses.”
Contact Green Bay education reporter Nadia Scharf at nscharf@gannett.com or on X at @nadiaascharf.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Clay Matthews, volunteers build Habitat for Humanity homes with NFL
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