Author: Jadeyn Sjaarda

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.