Second family takes advantage of scholarship-for-home program in La Crosse

La Crosse Promise working on three more homes

Just in time for the holidays, a second local family has moved into a new home as a result of the La Crosse Promise program.

The program offers scholarships to families with children, who agree to move into neighborhoods near downtown and build or remodel an old home.

Those scholarships can be up to $50,000 if they live for at least four years in either the Washburn or Powell neighborhoods. Families could also receive breaks on mortgage loans from participating banks.

Phil Johnson and Celine Donofrio and their two teenagers – who could qualify for scholarships – will live in the house on 9th St. near Lincoln Middle School.

Wednesday, volunteers with La Crosse Promise were joined by Mayor Tim Kabat and others in welcoming the family to the house.

Johnson spoke about the support he got from former Promise director Jerilyn Dinsmoor, who died suddenly in September.

“Every time I talked to Jerilyn, she always made me feel like I was doing something special, while I thought I was doing something for myself,” Johnson said. “I really feel bad that she’s not here to share this with us.”

Ralph Heath from the Promise board of directors says a third family just applied and has been accepted for the program, while three other houses have been built and are waiting for buyers.