The key is in helping others

Recently, the Carey family of Racine, Wisconsin, received the keys to their new home in Mount Pleasant.

Fisk Johnson, chairman and CEO of SC Johnson, personally supported the rehabilitation project through Racine Habitat for Humanity.

“I grew up in Racine, and my family and I have always cared about and invested in this community,” Johnson said. “I appreciate the work Racine Habitat for Humanity is doing to give local families the opportunity to achieve their dreams of homeownership. I hope this home provides a place to build many wonderful memories.”

The firm said Johnson has previously sponsored two other homes on the same street in Mount Pleasant.

This latest gift demonstrates a larger personal and company commitment to the community and Racine Habitat. Johnson’s family company, SC Johnson, sponsored new construction on the home next to the Carey family.

Since 1989, SC Johnson reported it has provided more than $1.3 million to support the costs of both new construction and rehab projects for 37 homes. Six of those homes are in the Mount Pleasant Lakeside Neighborhood.

In addition to homes, the company said it has provided funds for several projects and programming, including the Mount Pleasant Lakeside COP or Community Oriented Policing House.

The officer-staffed COP House serves as a safe hub for services to residents, said the firm, and the space is used for community engagement and programming.

Racine Habitat for Humanity said it “believes everyone deserves a decent, affordable place to live. The average down payment for a home in Wisconsin is $27,400, which is more than 92% of renters can afford.”

The Racine Habitat Housing Program partners with local volunteers to build homes alongside low- to moderate-income families in the community. The homes are then sold to partner families at an affordable price.