The groundbreaking ceremony for a new affordable housing development in Oshkosh. May 21, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — First steps were taken Thursday toward the construction of a new affordable housing complex in Oshkosh.
It’s the latest in a long line of efforts to fill the housing gap in the area.
“We are building a duplex with two two-bedroom units and a detached two-car garage for residents in the Historic Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association,” said Liz Last, executive director of Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods.
This plot has sat empty for 10 years. Last said the housing is designed for those transitioning from homelessness, domestic violence or refugee resettlement.
“It’s really important to have supportive housing, and Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods is all about neighborhood development,” she explained. “We really want this to be an exciting opportunity for the neighborhood and for people who need something affordable.”
The project itself costs just over $400,000. Grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Association and J.J. Keller Foundation helped fund the work.
Rent for the two-bedroom units is $1,080, set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hintz said it’s a step in the right direction.
“We know we have huge demand for housing over the next decade. We know that the shortage of housing has had an impact on prices, whether that’s for ownership or rental prices,” Hintz said. “The fact that we have an affordable housing project going up is obviously, even if it’s just one, accomplishes a need that does exist.”
The county is doing its part to fill the demand. On Tuesday, it awarded a contract for its revolving loan fund to expedite housing developments.
Work is just beginning to meet Winnebago County’s expected need for 10,000 new homes in the next 10 years.
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