Author: Jadeyn Sjaarda

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls (Habitat) and Southeast Technical College (STC) kicked off a new partnership Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at 1 p.m., at 509 N. Daisy Ave. The partnership will address the need for quality, affordable housing options in the Sioux Falls area, while providing invaluable, hands-on learning opportunities for students in STC’s Industrial Technology programs. STC students will develop their skills while helping to build a new Habitat home.

“Affordable housing and workforce development are two of the largest issues facing our community. This collaboration highlights how organizations working together can create and implement innovative solutions to address needs we have in the Sioux Falls area while positively impacting local students, industry and families.”

– Rocky Welker, executive director, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls

“This partnership affords tremendous opportunity to all parties involved. The building and construction skills that our students will acquire are essential to their education. That, coupled with the benefit of providing much-needed housing options in our region, the partnership is truly win-win. We are grateful to Sioux Falls Habitat for Humanity for partnering with us on this project, and to our instructors and academic leadership for making this opportunity possible for our students.”

– Robert Griggs, president, Southeast Technical College

Conversations between the two organizations outlining a potential partnership began in fall 2020. STC students and instructors will work alongside Habitat staff to build a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home on a lot currently owned by Habitat. The goal is to involve students in nearly all phases of construction on this home, including framing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and landscaping. Construction kicks off the first week in September with the project’s planned completion by the end of the 2022 spring semester.

Habitat for Humanity relies on generous donations and corporate sponsors to cover the cost of building materials for each project. First Bank and Trust, Wells Fargo, Avera Health, the City of Sioux Falls and Henry Carlson Company have provided support to help get the program initially off the ground. Funds will be raised throughout the school year to secure the $140,000 still needed to complete this Habitat home.

Media Coverage

• KELOLAND News: Southeast Tech students building home with Habitat for Humanity
• Dakota News Now: Habitat for Humanity, Southeast Tech partner to address housing crisis
• Argus Leader: Habitat for Humanity, Southeast Tech students working together to build new home

Meet Habitat’s newest homeowners! They purchased their homes on Wednesday, August 25th and received the keys at a dedication ceremony celebrating the joyous occasion. The families thanked the volunteers, sponsors and donors with heartfelt words of gratitude and provided a delicious lunch for all to enjoy. This twin home marks the completion of the 170th and 171st homes built by Habitat of Greater Sioux Falls!

Thanks to Wells Fargo, Sioux Steel and Woods, Fuller, Shultz and Smith for helping fund these homes and to the 280 volunteers who worked a total of 3,389 hours helping build these homes.

It’s no secret that you can volunteer on construction projects with Habitat for Humanity. But did you know that you can also volunteer in the Habitat ReStore? We have many dedicated ReStore volunteers, and more are always welcome. Here we answer some frequent questions we hear about volunteering in the ReStore.

What kind of work does a ReStore volunteer do?

In Sioux Falls, our ReStore volunteers are exclusively cashiers. They help ring up purchases for customers and direct shoppers to ReStore staff for sales floor assistance. No construction or home repair knowledge is needed. (But you might pick some up along the way.) It’s a great alternative for someone who isn’t able to volunteer on an active construction site. (UPDATE: You can now also volunteer in the ReStore as a stockroom assistant!)

Why do ReStore volunteers say they like volunteering?

ReStore volunteers receive training and commit to joining us regularly. They are a crucial part of the team and even form relationships with frequent customers. Many volunteers feel like they are doing good and enjoy getting out of the house. Every purchase helps build or improve homes locally!

What else should I know?

Since this position handles financial transactions, a background check is required. Habitat also provides orientation and training. Volunteers can choose a 3-hour shift (9 a.m.-12 p.m., 12-3 p.m., 3-6 p.m.), Tuesday through Saturday.

If you’re interested in learning more, contact Habitat’s Volunteer Coordinator, Brittany Bandstra, at 605-274-6292.

Congratulations to new homeowner Nura, who completed all requirements in Habitat’s Homeownership Program and purchased her home on North Archer Drive on Friday, June 11. Nura and her four sons — Yonas, Dabi, Abel, and Nahom — have been partnering with Habitat since 2019, with the construction of their home beginning in September 2020.

Nura held down a full-time job at Smithfield, weathered the Covid pandemic, and her household completed 381 sweat-equity hours to achieve her dream of homeownership.

“This is going to be my first time living in a house. I am ready for the new opportunities and new memories we get to create.”

– Abel, Nura’s 14-year-old son

This is the 169th home that Habitat has built or rehabbed in Greater Sioux Falls.

This home would not have been possible without the help of 102 volunteers who gave 2,159 hours (That’s nearly 3 months!) to build this home. Nor could this home have been built without the help of many donors, especially gifts from:

• Citi
• Wells Fargo
• BNSF Railway
• US Bank
• Lowe’s Home Improvement
• First National Bank of Sioux Falls

In gratitude, Nura and her sons recorded a message for Habitat supporters, which you can watch here.

Seven new families have now been approved and selected as homebuyer partners at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls. These families have now started their path to homeownership in 2021. Throughout their partnership, they will attend homebuyer education classes, earn “sweat equity” as Habitat construction volunteers, and achieve a savings goal before purchasing their affordable Habitat home.

Four of these homes will be built in the new Millard Acres Development in Northeastern Sioux Falls. This neighborhood will integrate low-impact design standards in partnership with the City of Sioux Falls, creating a community of 13 twin-homes by 2024. With their families, these future homeowners include:

• Catie
• Dana
• Efrem & Wedasse
• Tara

Two more homes will be built in Northwestern Sioux Falls, one in partnership with the students at the Career & Technical Education Academy, for these future homeowners and their families:

• Feysal & Meliha
• Muruts & Segen

The remaining home is an existing Habitat home in Canton, S.D., which is being recycled for Kathleen and her family. Habitat Sioux Falls currently serves Minnehaha, Lincoln, and Turner County residents.

About Habitat’s Homeownership Program

Applicants who meet all general eligibility and selection criteria requirements are reviewed by the Selection Committee and approved based on their need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat. Upon completion of the program, they purchase the Habitat home for the appraised value and commit to making a regular monthly mortgage payment for the entire loan term. As the lender for the sale, Habitat for Humanity offers flexible financing and affordable mortgage loan packages that ensure an affordable payment for each homebuyer. The next opportunity to apply for the Homeownership program will be in June 2021.

Volunteers are always needed to help build alongside these future homeowners. Interested individuals or groups can sign up online or call (605) 274-6292 to find available shifts.