On October 3, 2025, Bishop David Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay stood before a crowd of community members, volunteers, and future homeowners to bless the site of Habitat Homestead, a transformative new development by Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity.
Located on Green Bay’s east side, this $4 million project is the largest in the organization’s history, featuring 13 homes: seven single-family houses and two three-unit townhomes. This milestone is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to faith, partnership, and the enduring legacy of the Catholic Foundation’s commitment to affordable housing.
A Legacy Rooted in Faith and Generosity
The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Green Bay was honored during the event for its two-decade partnership with Habitat for Humanity, made possible through the Affordable Housing Institute, an initiative established by the Darlene and Donald J. Long, Sr. family.
In 2003, the Longs created the first $1 million endowment for the Foundation, planting the seeds for what would become a cornerstone of its mission: ensuring safe, stable, and affordable housing for families in need.
“For more than 20 years, the Catholic Foundation, through the Affordable Housing Institute, has proudly supported the Faith Build Initiative with Habitat,” said Josh Diedrich, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation. “Thanks to the Long family’s generosity, we continue to ensure safe, affordable housing for local families.”
Transforming Communities, One Home at a Time
Since its founding in 1997, the Catholic Foundation has distributed nearly $68 million in grants to support Catholic schools, parishes, and ministries across the Diocese of Green Bay. The Catholic Foundation exists to help families make a lasting impact on the Catholic causes they care about most. Whether through endowments like the Affordable Housing Institute, or other charitable funds, your generosity can transform lives for generations to come.
To learn how you can leave your own legacy to support the Catholic causes you love, contact Josh Diedrich at (920) 272-8197 or [email protected] today.
