Northwood Technical College and Impact Seven, Inc. Wins Top Talent Initiative Award

Northwood Technical College and Impact Seven, Inc. won Momentum West’s Top Talent Initiative in 2022 for the Housing Opportunity and Mobile Education Solutions (HOMES) initiative. With the help of a $9,823,075 Workforce Innovation Grant, it will fund three workforce housing projects in Northwood Tech’s region. It will provide new funding for cutting-edge mobile training equipment targeted towards advanced manufacturing competencies.

“Northwood Technical College and Impact Seven, Inc. are leading the charge to provide unemployed/underemployed and underserved populations of Wisconsin workers with the skills and resources they need to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing,” said Steve Jahn, Executive Director of Momentum West. “This initiative is a prime example of how to approach workforce housing and education to enhance the quality of life of Wisconsin workers. It is a model that other states and cities across the country can use for serving workers in their area.”

“We continue to seek solutions that support community development,” said President John Will of Northwood Tech. “The HOMES initiative will result in approximately 120 affordable housing units in three rural communities, each including a common area supporting short-term mobile training options for residents and the broader community.”

Northwood Technical College and Impact Seven, Inc. Provide a Model for Multi-family Development in Rural Communities

“This project will provide a model for rural, multi-family housing development while simultaneously creating occupational training locations,” Will noted. “By considering the well-documented housing shortage and the workforce development problem together, our organizations can provide a collaborative and innovative solution that is sustainable and replicable.”

HOMES will provide housing and skills to individuals entering jobs in the advanced manufacturing industry in Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, and Washburn Counties. Sites will be selected in communities with solid employer support with a measurable workforce housing shortage.

As the largest non-profit developer of affordable housing in Wisconsin, Impact Seven, Inc. will establish a workforce housing fund to reduce risk on housing projects for three multi-family rental housing projects that include “workforce accelerators” for on-site training.

Northwood Technical College will acquire mobile training equipment, adding to its growing portfolio of moveable, hands-on education options. HOMES will provide affordable housing options and educational assets, serving communities for decades.

The Momentum West Region Supports Its Economic and Workforce Development Partners

“The Momentum West region supports collaboration in economic and workforce development,” said Will, “Partners in the public and private sectors join together to tackle difficult problems that help communities thrive. Momentum West supports the partnerships that are critical to developing and deploying innovative strategies.”

Both Northwood Technical College and Impact Seven, Inc. are committed to positively impacting individuals and communities through the execution of innovative community development strategies. In addition, both organizations have a vast network of private and public sector partners to advance community development efforts.

Learn more about Northwood Technical College and Impact Seven, Inc. and how they support affordable workforce housing options for Wisconsin workers.