Sabrina, a Sturgis native who has worked with Black Hills Special Services for almost a decade, had been living in a crowed home with her father and two boys. She knew that for her kids to have a happy and healthy childhood and her father to get some peace and quiet, she needed to establish a home just for them. That dream came true on Sept. 25, and the community came together to celebrate her home dedication.
“Nothing was really happening for me,” Sabrina explained, “I wanted to make some changes. I’d wanted for us to have our own home for a while and was trying to save up for one, but with housing prices like they are, I just couldn’t do it. I’d get approved by the bank, but the loan wouldn’t be enough. I put my application in to Habitat and hoped I’d get chosen. Without Habitat, we wouldn’t have our home.”
To qualify for the Habitat homeowner program, Sabrina proved that she had a need for housing. She proved she met the income eligibility for a home loan. She was willing to put in the 250 hours of sweat equity, contributing to the construction of her home as well as the homes of other Habitat Partner Families. And she was willing to participate in the required educational programs on financial management and home maintenance. Sabrina will make monthly mortgage payments, which will help fund homes for future Partner Families.
“It was super amazing putting up that last piece and being like, ‘wow, this is my home.” It makes me appreciate it so much more to see all the work that goes into it.”
Funding for Sabrina’s home came from affordable housing organizations in addition to BHAHFH funding. SDHDA Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) grant for down payment assistance awarded to (Habitat) provided an additional down payment grant. GROW South Dakota funds were also utilized for the purchase of Sabrina’s home.
In addition to these supporting programs, Habitat relies on individual donors along with faith communities, foundations, and corporations who each provide layers of financial support that
ensure homes are affordable for every future homeowner. The gap between what homes cost, their market value, and what many people can afford is only growing, and Habitat needs more partnerships to expand and assist increasing numbers of people in need of affordable homeownership.
“Today is a victory for one more of our partner families in need of a hand up. Since our founding in 1990, more than 650 people have been strengthened through affordable homeownership and critical home repairs,” said Scott Engmann, Black Hills Area Habitat Executive Director. “A decent home gives families the strength, stability, and independence they need to create a better life for themselves and their families. This strengthens the entire community.”
To learn more about Black Hills Area Habitat For Humanity, CLICK HERE.