Habitat for Humanity, Southeast Tech Kick Off Partnership

Joint Venture to Address Sioux Falls’ Housing Crisis

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls (Habitat) and Southeast Technical College (STC) will kick 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.

Event Photos

Habitat for Humanity and STC Partnership Kickoff – From left, Paul Johnson, Habitat for Humanity Construction Manager; Robert Griggs, STC President; Rick Kiley, Sioux Falls City Council; Sheila Hoff, Habitat for Humanity Board President; Rocky Welker, Habitat for Humanity Executive Director; and Benjamin Valdez, STC Vice President for Academics prepare to sign a 2×4 with well wishes for the new homeowners.

Rocky Welker, Habitat for Humanity Executive Director comments on the benefits of the partnership and the need for sponsors to purchase building materials for the project.
Lisa Ross, Homeowner Services Coordinator for Habitat, speaks about the partnership between Habitat and the families who purchase Habitat homes.