From Conversation to Action: Wellpoint Care Network Advances Housing Solutions for Young Adults
At Wellpoint Care Network, we work with families, children, and communities across Wisconsin, and what we see is clear: when housing is unstable and unaffordable, it has ripple effects. It impacts mental health, school performance, family stability, workforce participation, and community well-being.
Housing is no longer just a housing issue. It’s an economic issue, a health issue, and a quality of life issue.
As Wellpoint Care celebrates 175 years of service, we felt it was important not only to reflect on our legacy, but use our platform to help shape the future. That’s why we recently hosted a Housing Convening, focused on the challenges young people in our community face each day.
“We’re not here because we have all the answers. We’re here because we believe trusted institutions like ours have a responsibility to bring people together to elevate solutions.”
Reggie Newson, President and CEO
We’re not here because we have all the answers. We’re here because we believe trusted institutions like ours have a responsibility to bring people together to elevate solutions.
We brought together a room of leaders with different perspectives, experiences, and policy preferences to discuss practical ideas to improve affordability and protect neighborhoods. Because this work directly impacts whether young people have a safe, stable place to land.
No single person or organization can solve this issue. Government can’t do it alone. Developers can’t do it alone. The private sector can’t do it alone. Employers can’t do it alone. It takes partnership, creativity, and shared accountability.
We will now gather our findings to form a housing affordability position paper that we plan to publicly release and share with policy makers, candidates, and community leaders.
Our goal is not simply to host a good conversation. Our goal is to help move the conversation forward it.
Thank you to all who attended our convening to share their perspective. Special thanks to our sponsors Raymond James and Outreach Community Health Centers; our partner the Wisconsin Policy Forum for providing the supporting data for the conversation; and to Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson for taking time to join us and share his personal story.
