NEWS RELEASE
Date: February 11, 2024
Contact:
Scott Engmann, Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity
sc***@bl***************.org (605) 348-9196 (Leave your name and phone number and Scott can contact you in between legislative meetings on Feb. 12 or you can interview him in a few days in person, as well)
Black Hills Area Habitat calls on South Dakota congressional members to take action on the affordable housing crisis
Rapid City, SD, Feb. 11, 2024 – The dwindling supply of affordable starter homes across America is a crisis that denies millions of families the foundation for stability and opportunity, while straining communities and hindering economic growth. In response, Habitat for Humanity is stepping up to advocate for bold solutions, many of which will be highlighted this week at Habitat on the Hill, the organization’s annual legislative event. This week, Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity will join hundreds of local Habitat organizations and housing advocates in a united call to Congress: It’s time to address the housing crisis with urgency.
On Wednesday, February 12, Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity representatives will urge US Senator John Thune, US Senator Mike Rounds, and US Representative Dusty Johnson to invest in both new and existing solutions to meaningfully expand the supply of starter homes:
- Support the Homeownership Supply Accelerator, Habitat’s innovative federal policy concept designed to rapidly increase construction and rehabilitation of affordable starter homes
- Finalize the fiscal year 2025 appropriations process and provide robust funding for housing and community development federal programs in the fiscal year 2026 budget, including:
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD Bill):
- No less than $20 million for the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program
- No less than $1.5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program
- Department of Agriculture (Ag-Rural Development Bill):
- No less than $1.25 billion for the USDA Section 502 Direct Loan Program
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD Bill):
In South Dakota, the lack of affordable homes isn’t just a statistic, it’s a daily reality for families. One in 11 households pay half or more of their income on housing. These challenges exist nationwide, and current programs, while critical, are not enough. To that end, Habitat for Humanity helped to develop the Homeownership Supply Accelerator, a new federal fund designed to regrow the nation’s stock of starter homes in every community that needs them, at prices affordable to low-and moderate-income homebuyers.
Regrowing the nation’s stock of starter homes will expand families’ economic security and stability; enable more businesses to attract and retain essential workers; strengthen economic growth; stabilize distressed neighborhoods and help close our nation’s racial and economic wealth divides.
“Every day, we see families that still can’t afford a safe, stable home,” said Scott Engmann, Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity Executive Director. “Raising our voices is just as important as swinging our hammers when it comes to addressing the affordable housing crisis, and we look forward to working alongside lawmakers to ensure more people have a place to call home.”
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 350 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 605-348-9196 for store and donation hours. For more information, visit www.blackhillshabitat.org or call 605-348-9196. 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 found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in southern Georgia. Since its founding in 1976, the Christian housing organization has 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.