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What We Offer

City of Milwaukee Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP)

Community First provides occupant owners in targeted neighborhoods access to forgivable loans, averaging $25,000 to complete substantial home repairs. Qualified applicants are low and moderate income families who have lived in their home a minimum of five years. Our staff serves as the liaison between the families, contractors, and City of Milwaukee staff.

Recognizing that the key to neighborhood stability is owner occupancy, the NIP program has operated for over 30 years to strengthen and preserve city neighborhoods. Working in unique and successful partnerships with community based organizations, NIP assistance corrects city building and safety code violations and reduces lead based paint hazards, enabling residents to remain in their homes. Community First is one of seven NIP agencies and operates the largest program on the North side of Milwaukee.

Homeowners are the backbone to safe, successful neighborhoods. By providing important resources for these families, Community First is helping to preserve home ownership and prevent foreclosure.

Please see this map to see if your home is in an NIP-eligible neighborhood.

*Eligible Services
  • Electrical Systems
  • Plumbing
  • Heating
  • Major Masonry
  • Tuckpointing
  • Foundation Stabilization
  • Minor Carpentry
  • Roofing
  • Gutters
  • Painting
  • Lead Based Paint Remediation

*Repairs are required to be code-based in nature. The City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) decisions are final.