Operation Fresh Start (OFS) held an open house to celebrate the completion of the new affordable home built by participants at 1108 Kamperschroer Way in Sun Prairie on Thursday, July 18.
“Everything was built from the ground up by our participants minus the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC,” OFS Legacy Construction Supervisor Miles Hegg said. “This house isn’t just about providing an affordable home for someone in need, it is us making an investment in the future of many young adults’ lives in our community,” he said.
The 3 bed/1 bath, 1,200 sq/ft home is one of four affordable Community Development Block Grant Houses OFS is currently building in Sun Prairie through its partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
Approximately 75 participants ages 16-24 contributed to the building process of the house. One participant, Peyton Gobeli, worked on the house for nine months.
“There were mistakes we made along the way; however, we learned from them and finished what we started,” Peyton said. “Now it’s done, about to be put on the market, and that, to me, just feels amazing.”
Some participants, including Keyante Campbell, recently graduated from the Legacy program and came back to join OFS in the celebration.
“When I look at this house, I don’t see just a supervisor telling us what to do,” Keyante said. “I see a family working together to build something for the next generation of somebody to live here, and I’m thankful to be a part of that.”
Legacy program outcomes
OFS Executive Director Brian McMahon highlighted the importance and impact of this project.
“Building a house is no small feat,” Brian said. “It requires immense skill and knowledge. Miles and his team created more than a structure – you built a foundation for future families to call home. You’ve contributed to solving our community’s challenges in affordable housing and making the dream of homeownership a reality for a deserving family.”
In addition to building homes over the past year, Legacy participants earned an average increase of three grade levels in both math and reading skills and achieved a 90% program completion success rate. Participants also had a 96% placement rate into employment or post-secondary education.
“These achievements belong to you and those that came before you,” Brian said to the participants. “They’re a testament to your dedication and hard work and they are remarkable.”
Brian expressed his gratitude on behalf of OFS to all the partners, funders, and donors that contributed to the success of this project, including Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, Dane County CDBG, YouthBuild AmeriCorps, YouthBuild, the Department of Labor, the City of Madison, and the City of Sun Prairie.
“Your support and investment in our young people on this project made today possible,” Brian said.
Mayor’s remarks
OFS was excited to welcome the public to the event, bringing together participants, supporters, and local officials to recognize the hard work and dedication of the OFS team and its partners.
Sun Prairie Mayor Paul Esser was joined by Sun Prairie Alders Steve Stocker and Mike Jacobs in touring the house.
“We are all pleased to see what you’re doing here with this project,” Esser said. “It is seldom that we have the opportunity to do something, that when we’re done, we can come here years later and look to this house and say 'Through my efforts, I have created a place that people can put their roots down and thrive.’”
He talked about how important this project is to the Sun Prairie community given the current housing shortage.
“Every time you build a house that is affordable, you have given somebody’s life a jumpstart,” Esser said. “That’s a gift of legacy that you are leaving for this community and people in this community. I am so impressed.”
Miles reflects on the journey
Miles, who led the project, shared his thoughts on the journey to complete this house. It was his first housel leading a construction crew, but he explained that the project was always a group effort.
“I didn’t build it,” he said. “It was never I. It was always we.”
Miles added that he learned and grew so much from this project, and he acknowledged the contributions of numerous participants and OFS staff members. He said that this house represents “courage” because participants had the courage to wake up early every day, show up to work in all weather conditions, and learn new and sometimes challenging skills.
“It takes courage to set parts of your youth aside in order to step into adulthood,” Miles said. "It takes courage to do the right thing, build confidence and become a leader. And most importantly, it takes courage to allow yourself to be vulnerable and make mistakes in order to grow.”
The ceremony concluded with heartfelt thanks from Miles and the OFS team.
“This house was built by the young people, and it’s incredible to be part of this legacy,” Miles said.
The 1108 Kamperschroer Way project is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the OFS participants and their commitment to positively impacting their community.