In Spring 2022, Outagamie County took a critical step forward in addressing our region’s growing housing challenges by convening a diverse group of stakeholders to evaluate the data collected for a Housing Needs Assessment. After months of work, this stakeholder group came together to develop a Regional Housing Strategy, and the formation of a Housing Alliance emerged as the top strategy recommendation. 

Emerging from the Regional Housing Strategy Group, a task force focused on the development of a Housing Alliance brought together representatives from local governments like Outagamie County and the City of Appleton, housing nonprofits, real estate groups, housing developers, the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, and United Way Fox Cities. This diverse coalition recognized that addressing housing issues requires the involvement of stakeholders across the housing continuum, from emergency shelters to affordable and market-rate housing development. 

The need for a Housing Alliance became clear: no single organization can solve the housing problems on its own. These issues are complex and growing, and the demand for more housing continues to increase. Locally, many organizations and local governments are working on various aspects of housing and homelessness, but there hasn’t been a coordinated effort to align these efforts. The Housing Alliance would help provide the leadership and direction necessary to organize and prioritize housing solutions across our community. 

One important aspect of the Housing Alliance will be its use of the Collective Impact Model. This approach brings together different organizations to work toward a shared goal. The Fox Cities already have successful initiatives using this model, such as N.E.W. Mental Health Connection, which works on mental health, and First 5 Fox Valley, which focuses on early childhood. The Housing Alliance will act as a “backbone” organization, making sure the collaboration stays strong, focused, and flexible as needs change. By coordinating resources and aligning efforts, the Housing Alliance can make a real difference in solving housing challenges. 

The Housing Alliance will play a key role in finding long-term solutions for housing in our region. It will create a shared vision that looks at both current needs and future housing demands. This collaborative approach will also encourage new ideas and innovative solutions to increase housing opportunities and promote policies that support sustainable growth. 

The formation of the Fox Cities Housing Alliance has received support from the Community Vision Fund, which awarded $30,000 and the Basic Needs Giving Partnership which awarded a $75,000 multi-year grant to help move the Alliance from concept to reality. These funds support engaging a consultant to lead the research, planning, and initial stage of implementation of the Housing Alliance.  

With this foundational step, we are on the right path to a stronger, more coordinated approach to housing. Together, we can build a community that provides safe, affordable, and accessible housing for everyone. The formation of the Fox Cities Housing Alliance marks a critical turning point in our efforts to address one of the biggest challenges our region faces today. It’s a call to action for all of us — from government agencies to businesses, nonprofits, developers, and residents — to collaborate and create lasting, positive change. Together, we flourish!