NEWS RELEASE: Dec. 12, 2024
Contact:
Amanda Mowry, Home Solutions Manager
Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity
(605) 348-9196
am****@bl***************.org
Diocese of Rapid City Partners with Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity to Make Homeownership Possible for Rapid City Family
Rapid City, SD – Dec. 12, 2024. In November of 2023, fifteen Catholic parishes embarked on a mission to raise $450,000 and provide volunteer support to partner with Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity to construct four homes in Rapid City. Construction on two twin homes on the corner of N. Spruce and E. Madison Street began, and now one year later, the first of those homes is being sold to the mother of two children, Holley. On December 12, 2024, Holley and her sons celebrated the purchase of their home with a Habitat Home Dedication.
Working fulltime as a medical technician at Monument Hospital, and as a mother of two young boys, Holley didn’t know she would qualify for Habitat’s program, and she didn’t realize how modern and attractive Habitat homes have become
Holley applied and was approved for the program in August of 2023 and quickly moved through the Habitat educational classes and helped with construction, until she selected 659 N. Spruce St. On December 12, the Home Dedication was well attended by Holley’s friends and family, as well as by members of the Catholic parishes, and volunteers eager to see the fruit of their generosity and hard work.
Prior to moving into her Habitat twin home, Holley and her boys resided with her mother, brother, and other extended family. The house was full of love but crowded for so many residents. Holley is looking forward to having her own space where she and her children will benefit from having more structure and routine. “I’m looking forward to having an environment where I have more control over things like bedtime, chores, and expectations for school and behavior. It’s hard to have different expectations for my kids than the other kids at my mom’s house,” Holley said. With increased structure and space, Holley plans to further her education in the medical field by pursuing her LPN, then RN licenses. “I’ve always known I wanted to be in healthcare and help others,” she added.
Funding for Holley’s home came from Catholics Building on Faith (participating parishes listed below), and Black Hills Area Habitat donor support. South Dakota Housing Development Authority Housing Opportunity Fund and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Housing Improvement Program also provided down payment assistance towards the purchase of the home.
- Blessed Sacrament
- Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
- Immaculate Conception
- Our Lady of the Black Hills, Piedmont
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Keystone
- Rapid City Newman Center
- Rapid City Catholic School System
- Anthony of Padua, Hot Springs
- Isaac Jogues
- James, Edgemont
- John the Baptist, Custer
- John the Evangelist, New Underwood
- Michael, Hermosa
- Rose of Lima, Hill City
- Therese the Little Flower
To provide long-term affordable mortgages, Habitat relies on individual donors along with faith communities, foundations, and corporations who each provide layers of financial support. The gap between what homes cost, their market value, and what many people can afford is at times up to $100,000 per home, as a result Habitat seeks to expand its funding partnerships and assist increasing numbers of employed people in need of affordable homeownership.
“Habitat does not charge closing fees, mortgage insurance, and we ensure that everyone has an affordable mortgage with a payment less than 30% of their gross income,” said Amanda Mowry, Home Solutions Manager. “So many people with a dream of owning a home are finding their lives transformed by Habitat homeownership.” Learn about the Black Hills Habitat for Humanity homeownership program and download an application at https://www.blackhillshabitat.org/homeownership/ or by contacting Amanda at am****@bl***************.org.
About Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity
A nonprofit Christian housing organization dedicated to creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live, Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity (BHAHFH) brings together people with resources and people in need of a hand up to build and repair simple, decent, affordable homes. BHAHFH has served over 340 families locally and globally since 1990. BHAHFH ReStore helps raise funds through items donated and sold to serve additional families in the Black Hills area. Call 348-9196 for store and donation hours. For more information, visit www.blackhillshabitat.org or call 348-9196. Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity is a United Way member agency.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand-up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.