On July 31, the Wisconsin-based housing nonprofit Pillars received the largest property donation they had ever been given. It came in the name of Richard “Dick” Reetz, a landlord who died in June at the age of 97.
He donated his entire rental estate, including 20 units across 10 properties, which increased the organization’s property portfolio by 26%.
Pillars is an organization that works to relieve bottlenecks in the housing crisis by keeping people out of shelters and in stable housing. Right now, the organization manages a number of affordable housing properties near Appleton, Wisconsin, and operates two crisis housing centers that serve approximately 140 people at any given time.
With Reetz’s donation, the organization will be able to provide even more affordable housing to people who need it most.
“This transformative gift expands Pillars’ reach in a meaningful way, helping to serve more individuals and families working toward stability and a place to call home,” said Steve Williams, Board President of Pillars.
Reetz was a resident of Appleton his entire life and was a landlord for over 50 years.
According to his obituary, “he operated his rentals on handshakes and goodwill, sometimes at his own cost.” A statement from Pillars added that his goal as a landlord was to invest in tenants who were often trying to find a place to land on their feet.
“Dick gave people a chance when others would not,” said Reetz’ stepson Joe Frank. “He cared about his tenants’ stories and wanted to help get them on their feet. He had a genuine interest in people.”
Along with his work as a landlord, Reetz was the owner of Reetz Engineering and had an illustrious career selling engineering materials and building business relationships.
Because of this, he was also a financial supporter of a variety of local charities. In his death, he has also established various charitable funds with the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region, Inc.
The donation of his properties is especially important, as Williams told FOX 11 News that “there is no end to the need for housing here.”
For the current tenants of Reetz’s properties, they will work with Pillars to find the next best place for them, which may be right within the same community. According to a statement from the organization, “Pillars will integrate the properties with a mindful approach to current tenants’ unique situations.”
Frank added that toward the end of his life, Reetz was approached by developers looking to purchase his properties, but that isn’t the legacy he wanted to leave behind.
“Donating these units to Pillars was the only solution he had in his heart,” Frank said. “The last thing he wanted was to displace people.”
Representatives from Pillars say the new properties will help them house an estimated 40 people.
Pillars’ executive director Lisa Strandberg said, “Pillars is very proud to carry on Richard’s legacy of providing housing to those who need it at an affordable level.”
“It really aligns with our mission to tackle the main cause of homelessness, which is housing,” Williams added to FOX 11.
Reetz’s family requested that loved ones and friends donate to one of his favorite charitable organizations in lieu of flowers, hoping to make a ripple effect of Reetz’s final generous acts.
“By expanding access to stable, affordable housing, Pillars is helping more individuals and families build a foundation for long-term success and wellbeing,” Appleton Community Development Director Kara Homan told FOX 11.
“This is the kind of partnership and generosity that truly moves our community forward.”
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Header image courtesy of Pillars
