When it comes to the housing challenges in Milwaukee, a lot of it comes down to cost. People may want to buy but can’t afford to. WUWM is examining systemic housing problems – and solutions – for more affordable housing.

Today, we’re looking into community organizations that are creating their own paths to homeownership. And hearing from people who’ve been waiting their whole lives for a home to call their own. WUWM’s Jimmy Gutierrez brings us the story.

Dee Anderson was a pastor at West Granville Presbyterian Church for forty years. He retired in 2025, but for years he helped oversee the resettlement of international teachers coming to teach in Milwaukee Public Schools.

You heard from two of those teachers in a previous Status Pending episode - Chigozie Okonkwo and Chioma Mba, from Nigeria. They’re part of Dee’s congregation, and that’s how WUWM’s Audrey Nowakowski and Katherine Kokal met him.

Here’s Pastor Dee talking about why his church stepped up to meet the moment, and how it’s changed them for the better.

Milwaukee Public Schools recently approved Annie Kubes as the new senior director of Milwaukee Recreation. Milwaukee Rec runs hundreds of programs in the city – from afterschool care to youth sports and cooking classes.

Kubes has worked for the department since she was sixteen years old. Throughout her career, she’s overseen various Milwaukee Rec programs — from Special Olympics to driver education and aquatics. She was most recently working part-time as Milwaukee Rec’s special projects coordinator.

Lake Effect’s Xcaret Nuñez speaks with Kubes about her job experience and the goals she has for this role.