The Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity (CVH4H) nonprofit is readying for a new chapter, recently welcoming longtime local Phil Swiler as its new executive director.

Swiler’s vision for the local affiliate – part of the wider, national Habitat for Humanity organization, founded in the ‘70s – is closely tied to re-engagement with the community and spreading awareness of all the org does.

With 23 years of experience in a diverse range of roles and industries, it wasn’t until about three years ago that Swiler became familiar with CVH4H.

Phil Swiler, pictured. (Submitted photo)

While facilitating a strategic planning session for the CVH4H board of directors, his eyes were opened, Swiler recalled. “I realized that CVH4H does great things in our community that honestly go unnoticed,” he said.

Both Patrick Redman, former CVH4H board president, and current CVH4H Board President Matt Gerber, spoke to Swiler’s proven abilities – and potential to see the local nonprofit into an exciting period of growth.

“Phil has been a pillar in our community for many years,” Gerber said. “He is a strong leader and strategic planner, which will help us take CVH4H to the next level. We’re excited about CVH4H under his leadership.”

Redman affirmed Gerber’s thoughts, pointing to Swiler’s genuine care for the community and strong personal and professional networks.

Swiler’s secret weapon skill isn’t glamorous – it’s lived experience as a coach. Whether through youth sports or coaching and leading volunteers or staff, powerful impact comes from a multi-pronged approach.

“I listen and think results-oriented,” he said. “There is always a way to solve anything. That combined with planning, coaching in the moment, and working toward a positive solution, is what I am all about.”

"Be prepared for cvh4h to be much more active in the community and building our brand more than ever."

PHIL SWILER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHIPPEWA VALLEY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

CVH4H, too, centralizes creative problem-solving. The organization helps build affordable housing for families in the area; offers affordable home repairs; owns and operates local thrift shop, the ReStore; and more. None of it would be possible without volunteers.

Longtime volunteer Don Bredle, a retired kinesiology professor from UW-Eau Claire, has assisted – alongside other CVH4H volunteers – with new home builds, repairs and renovations, ramp building, and even demolition efforts.

“After dropping out of college as a senior in religious studies, I learned carpentry from some very generous Seventh Day Adventist home builders,” Bredle shared. “I first volunteered for Habitat in Birmingham, Alabama, 40 years ago, although I never had the chance to work alongside President Jimmy Carter, (the organization’s) most famous face.”

“The camaraderie with fellow workers makes each job enjoyable. And the gratitude from the recipients of our labor is indeed heartwarming,” he continued.

Continuing those efforts and more in 2026, CVH4H is focusing on the upcoming build of a twin home in Menomonie and other repairs.

Some of these have recently included the addition of an accessible laundry area, on the first floor of a New Auburn home owned by a senior citizen; and building hand rails for a U.S. military veteran who needed them after returning home from hospital care.

CVH4H also recently created a partnership with Western Dairyland through its Fresh Start program. The mentorship-based program focuses on at-risk young adults between the ages of 17 and 25, designed to build self-sufficiency through construction training, education, and career development. Last fall, Fresh Start participants helped CVH4H remove and replace a home’s old windows with new, energy-efficient ones.

Looking ahead, Swiler said folks can expect to see more of CVH4H. “Be prepared for CVH4H to be much more active in the community and building our brand more than ever.” 

Habitat for Humanity was founded in the 1970s and, in the '90s, the Chippewa Valley officially welcomed its affiliate Habitat for Humanity organization. Today, the nonprofit continues its affordable housing initiatives and more within the wider community. (Photo via www.habitat.org)

Learn more about Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity online at www.cvh4h.org. Interested in volunteering? Head to the org's website for more information.