NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources Hires Edgemont Community Outreach Coordinator

For Immediate Release

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources Hires Edgemont Community Outreach Coordinator

July 30, 2012- NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources is proud to announce and welcome Tammy Biller as its new Local Community Outreach Coordinator in Edgemont, SD.

Tammy joins our staff with a wide variety of experience in community outreach and programs.   Tammy stated that she is excited to be working with Neighbor Works and is looking forward to helping the community of Edgemont grow.  “My goal is to keep our community and neighborhood a safe place to live”.

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is a private nonprofit organization that has been assisting in providing decent, safe and affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods for twenty years.  NeighborWorks® has helped more than 900 families realize their dream of homeownership..  For more information on NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources contact Stephany at 578-1401 or you can contact Tammy at 662-7193 Tues- Thurs after 4:30 pm or at Edgemont@nwdhr.org.   

Boxelder Job Corp Students Build Wheel Chair Ramp For Box Elder Resident

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources Revive 5 event overflowed into Box Elder, positively impacting disabled veteran and long time Box Elder resident Jerry Felts. Boxelder Job Corp carpentry students partnered with NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources to build Jerry and his wife a wheel chair ramp.

Felts has struggled with his health since 1995.  With daily medical visits it makes it very difficult to get up and down the outside stairs.  “Sometimes it would take me twenty minutes to get up those stairs” Felts stated. With a new wheel chair ramp Felts will have easier access in out of his home, making his daily medical trips a little less stressful.  Felts stated that the students are making a big difference in his life, "I'll remember this for the rest of my life, and they'll never know how much I appreciate it."

“Projects like this not only provide our students with hands on experience but it gives them an opportunity to give back to the community” stated lead carpentry instructor, Lance Steinberg.  

Boxelder student Richard Comeron explained how the Job Corp Program is a great way to gain experience in a professional trade and have a good start on life. “I have been in the program for about 6 months and I have already learned a lot,” explained Comeron..     

NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources would like to thank all of the Boxelder Job Corp volunteers and Rapid City Knechts. Knechts provided a discount to purchase supplies and delivered the materials at no cost.   It is our many strong partnerships and volunteers that continue to support and enrich our communities.

Boxelder Job Corp lead carpentry instructor, Lance Steinberg; Brandon Olson, David Caravetta, Richard Cameron, Dan Sheffer, and Boxelder Job Corp Business and Community Liaison Jeff Hayward

About Box Elder Job Corp: The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service operates the Boxelder Job Corps. It is part of the nationally funded department of labor scholarship for underprivileged youth ages 16 – 24.  The Center’s goal is to teach eligible young people job skills and help place them in related jobs and/or help further their education. Career training offered at the center includes business technology, carpentry, culinary arts, certified nurse assistant, electrician, facility maintenance, painting, networking and computer technology, union bricklaying, and welding. The center relies on scholarships making it so there is no cost for students or families who are interested. To enroll at Boxelder Job Corps, contact an admissions counselor at (800) 733-5627.

About Revive Five: Revive Five was the result of five Western South Dakota residents attending the NeighborWorks® America Community Leadership Institute (CLI). The Community Leadership Institute is an invitation-only, three-day training event that aims to strengthen the voices and skills of community, resident and volunteer leaders. The CLI is a vehicle for learning, and a forum for discussing, community issues and sharing best practices and solutions to the problems faced by low- to moderate-income residents. Each CLI has a general theme determined by a team of resident coordinators. At the end of every CLI, each participating team creates an action plan so they can effectively bring the knowledge they gained at the CLI back to their communities and use it to affect positive change.  Revive Five was the challenge that the attendees created to implement in their communities. The Challenge of Revive Five is to impact five homes within visible sight of each another, utilizing intergenerational partnerships, to make a positive visible impact on the neighborhood and community.   The end result will improve the appearance of five homes, increase neighborhood pride and bring the community together. 

For more information on NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources or Revive Five, contact Stephany at 605-578-1401 or visit us on the web at www.NeighborWorks®dhr.org

Sturgis Paint the Town

The 18th annual Paint the Town took place this week throughout the Black Hills communities, bringing in more than 300 volunteers to help paint residents’ houses. For Sturgis, more than 30 volunteers from businesses throughout the community came together to paint the home of Jose and Jesse Arguello.

Homeowner Katie Arguello said she heard about the opportunity over the radio and decided to apply for it.

“I think it’s marvelous that so many people are willing to help,” she said. “It’s a wonderful organization. They’re such wonderful people I can’t hardly believe it. It’s going to be very nice when it’s done. These are very hardworking people.”

According to Community Outreach and Education Coordinator Sharon Martinisko, NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources, who hosts the Paint the Town event, also has paintbrush sponsors who simply donate money for supplies. Deadwood Gulch, First National Bank, First Interstate Bank in Lead-Deadwood, and Wells Fargo in Spearfish were some of this year’s paintbrush sponsors. NeighborWorks America and South Dakota Housing Development Authority were also sponsors.

“It’s really cool that so many people come to help,” Martinisko said.

According to Cindy Griffin with Northern Hills Federal Credit Union, the bank, as well as Wells Fargo, has been helping with Paint the Town since day one and the many projects has resulted in many memories, and even some near accidents.

“It’s really rewarding,” Griffin said, adding that they are often able to maintain the relationships with the homeowners even after the house is painted.

“It’s a good community project and it really makes a small community nice,” Wells Fargo President Paul Bisson said. “You don’t see this in big communities.”

Larry Griffin has been helping for five years and now, thanks to his dedication, sits on the board of directors for NeighborWorks and was nominated for the Dorothy Richardson Award as recognition for his volunteerism and community involvement. This is his second year on the board of directors.

“This is what I enjoy doing,” Larry said. “Getting out and doing the work. It’s a lot of fun and you make a lot of friends. We’re helping people who don’t have the means to do the work.”

Larry said he often sees past homeowners who they have helped in the store and they will stop and talk to him, carrying on those relationships past the completion of the project.

REVIVE FIVE IS REVIVING RAPID CITY COMMUNITY

The first week of June kicked off NeighborWorks® Week.   Volunteers throughout the Northern Hills communities scraped and painted homes, cleaned up neighborhoods, swapped plants, and engaged in multiple community activities.  This year also included Revive Five. 

Revive Five was the result of five Western South Dakota residents attending the NeighborWorks® America Community Leadership Institute (CLI). The Community Leadership Institute is an invitation-only, three-day training event that aims to strengthen the voices and skills of community, resident and volunteer leaders. The CLI is a vehicle for learning and a forum for discussing community issues and sharing best practices and solutions to the problems faced by low- to moderate-income residents. Each CLI has a general theme determined by a team of resident coordinators. At the end of every CLI, each participating team creates an action plan so they can effectively bring the knowledge they gained at the CLI back to their communities and use it to affect positive change.  Revive Five was the challenge that the attendees created to implement in their communities. 

The Challenge of Revive Five is to impact five homes within visible sight of each another, utilizing intergenerational partnerships, to make a positive visible impact on the neighborhood and community.   The end result will improve the appearance of five homes, increase neighborhood pride and bring the community together. 

NeighborWorks® long-term goal is to implement Revive Five in five communities within in the next five years, but for now the project has begun with five homes in Rapid City. Volunteers from the Rapid City Police Department assisted in the selection process of determining what homes could utilize this service.  Five homes throughout the College Park neighborhood were selected. 

Wedsenday, June 20^th, Sargent Chris DeGroote, Senior Officer Ron Terviel, Lemmon Avenue Block Club President John Hagg, and 16-year-old Fernando Suliveres gathered at Rose Suliveres home on Lemmon Avenue.  The team of volunteers began replacing and building new steps for her home.  Rose stated that she was very thankful for Revive Five and NeighborWorks®. “ Without this program I would not have been able to do these repairs.” Rose stated.   Rose’s home is greatly in need of new stucco, a fresh coat of paint, and new steps. “ I have fallen down those steps multiple times, one time I had to crawl inside before I could pull myself back up. Having new steps will make my home much more safe.” Rose stated.

Volunteers from Bank West, Rapid City Police Department, Ketel Thorstensen, Ellsworth Pol Kats  & College Park Block  finished one Revive Five home on Blain Avenue, by painting the home and removing a fence.  Professional contractors will complete rehab on the three of the five homes throughout the College Park Neighborhood, and a professional tree trimmer will improve the landscaped one of the five homes.  NeighborWorks America, NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources, and South Dakota Housing Development Authority provide funding for Revive Five.

Although Revive Five was designed to improve five homes in one neighborhood, NeighborWorks® offers home rehab assistance for homeowners throughout Western South Dakota. NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is a private, non-profit organization that works to assist families with their dream of homeownership and revitalize communities to improve the quality of life. Through partnerships with NeighborWorks America, South Dakota Housing Development Authority and USDA Rural Development, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources receives funding to provide rehab assistance to low to moderate-income families. The rehab program offers assistance and a variety of programs for homeowners.

For more information on the Home Rehab Assistance, Revive Five or any other programs that NeighborWorks Dakota Resources, offers please contact Stephany at 605-578-1401 or visit us on the web at www.neighborworksdhr.org

Homeownership Provides Continuity for Family

Chris Hermensen and Tiffany Winkelman have had a lot to celebrate during the month of May.  The couple purchased their first home together and gave birth to their daughter, Amillia. 

Affordable housing seems to be nearly impossible to find in Rapid City, but thanks to local organization, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources, homeownership was made possible for the young couple.  Chris and Tiffany finished moving into their home and two days later gave birth to their baby girl

The couple began looking for a home last September.  One of Chris’s co-workers suggested that they look into NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources. 

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is a non-profit organization that helps families with low to moderate incomes purchase homes.  NeighborWorks® offers free homebuyer education and down-payment and closing cost assistance.  NeighborWorks® also has a home rehab and construction department.  The home that Chris and Tiffany purchased was a complete rehab constructed by NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources.

NeighborWorks® purchased 713 Lemmon the spring of 2011 by utilizing Neighborhood Stabilization funds (NSP).  NSP was established through congress’s Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) to help stabilize communities and neighborhoods in the wake of the foreclosure crisis.  Thanks to these funds, NeighborWorks® was able to purchase a foreclosed abandoned lot, and rebuild a new single family home in order to create an affordable home for a family. 

 “The main reason we decided on this house, was because of the neighborhood. When Doris showed us the home, Officer Ron Terviel was patrolling the street.  We knew that our family would be safe here,” Chris explained. 

In 2009, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources partnered with the Rapid City Police Department and created the Lemmon Avenue Block Club. Since then, Lemmon Avenue has been transformed into a Community of Choice.  The couple’s new neighborhood has a community garden, a nearby park, and great neighbors.  “The neighbors have already introduced themselves to us,” Chris stated.  

Chris looked at multiple apartments throughout Rapid City, but in the end owning a home was very comparable if not more affordable than renting. “…we don’t have worry about a land lord eventually telling us we have to move out, this home is 100% ours,” Chris affirmed.

 For now the couple is busy with their 5 week year old baby, but Chris stated that he has a list projects to accomplish on his home before the summer is over. 

If you would like more information on NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources or affordable housing options you can contact NeighborWorks® at 605-578-1401 or visit their website at www.NeighborWorks®dhr.org

Residents Experience Xerscaping

Residents throughout the Black Hills had the opportunity to gain knowledge from Rapid City Master Gardener Cheri Schmidt on the subject of Xeriscaping. Thursday, May 30^th, 36 attendees learned about different types of Xeriscaping plants, water efficient grasses, and techniques to create your own personalized lawn and garden.

Master Gardener, Cheri Schmidt, explained that Xeriscaping can reduce water consumption and landscaping time. Xerscaping is water-efficient landscaping.   On average, grass yards use 1 ½ inches of water a week. Xerscaping can reduce water consumption and residents bills from 20% to 80%.

The first step in beginning you gardening journey is to imagine what you want.  Cheri suggested that you map out your yard.  By determining sections of the yard that are most utilized and for what purpose. This will help you determine what to plant and where to plant it.  “Your yard is a natural place to express your artistic side, create and environment that you will enjoy. Gardens serve no other purpose but to feed one’s soul”, Cheri stated.   

      

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources organizes monthly post purchases workshops to educate homeowners on small and large home repairs and other necessary skills needed when maintaining your home. NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources would like to thank all of the attendees that attended the workshop, Cheri for preceding her knowledge and West River Electric for allowing us to utilize their office space. If you would like more information on future NeighborWorks® post purchase workshops or classes you can contact Stephany or Sharon at 605-578-1401 or visit the web at www.neighborworksdhr.org

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources Announces Events Planned for NeighborWorks® Week

June 3^rd-9^th, 2012- NeighborWorks® Week is sponsored by NeighborWorks® America and its network of local organizations who mobilize tens of thousands of volunteers, businesspeople, neighbors, friends, and local and national elected and civic leaders in a week of neighborhood change and awareness. They rehab and repair homes, paint and landscape properties, conduct neighborhood tours, recognize successful partnerships, and host events that educate, train and inform.

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources has organized a two weeks full of community events for NeighborWorks® Week 2012.  This year NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources will celebrate their 17th Annual Paint the Town. NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources and volunteers will be painting seven homes throughout Western South Dakota.  Homes are located in Deadwood, Lead, Central City, Sturgis, Spearfish, Rapid City, Box Elder, and Edgemont.  NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources has organized volunteers from local organizations throughout Western South Dakota to provide a fresh coat of paint for homes that were in need.  Painting will take place throughout the week of June 

3^rd and run through June 16^th.  Paint the Town is sponsored by South Dakota Housing Development Authority “Paint South Dakota”, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources, and NeighborWorks® America

In addition, to Paint the Town, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources will embark on their first annual Revive Five: five homes in a neighborhood radius will be receiving a home rehab makeover.  NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources and volunteers have selected five homes throughout the College Park Neighborhood in Rapid City that are in need of repairs. These five homes will be painted, yards cleaned and other exterior work accomplished by volunteers through local partnerships. Volunteers will begin repairing homes during Revive Five on Saturday June 1^st, 2012.

Tuesday, June 5^th ,  NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources will celebrate their 10^th Annual Trolley on The Trail Event. The combined effort consists of the use of the trail from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, use of a Trolley from the City of Deadwood and reservations taken by NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources.  The Trolley on the Trail is a combined endeavor to give disabled or handicapped people access to the Mickelson Trail. Additional Trolley on the Trail dates take place on July 3^rd, and September 4^th.  Thanks to sponsorships with local businesses, this ride is provided free of charge.

Thursday, June 7^th ,  NeighborWorks® America Management Consultant, Steve Hermes, will present the Bill Kitchen Award to the NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources’ staff and board members at 12pm in the NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources office located in Deadwood at 795 Main Street. The Bill Kitchen Award is presented annually to the organization in the 13-state Midwest Region that presents the best NeighborWorks® Week plan.

Saturday, June 9^th, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources and the Central City Neighborhood Council will host the 

5^th annual “Community Plant Exchange” at the Pumphouse Café and Lattes Shop. Attendees will have the opportunity to exchange extra plant items with their neighbors.   New and experienced gardeners are welcomed and encouraged to join in on this great community event.  Attendees are not required to bring exchange items to participate. The Plant Exchange will also be hosting a Food Drive for the Lord’s Cupboard in Lead.  

Volunteers paint a community shed during
NeighborWorks Week in 2009. 

NeighborWorks® Week activities will continue throughout the month of June. NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources, along with many other local organizations are sponsoring the 2^nd Annual Open Summer Market “Lead Live”.  Lead Live will take place the 2^nd Tuesday’s of the Summer Months from 5:30pm-8:30pm.  June 12^th will be the kick off of this great community event.

On Saturday, June 16^th, the annual Treasures, Trash & Cash tri-city rummage sale will be held the morning.  Locations will be published in the Black Hills Pioneer the week prior to the event.  Box Elder will also be hosting a Treasures, Trash, and Cash throughout the Cardinal Heights Neighborhood

Each NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources event engages residents to be participating in community events and provides residents the chance to volunteer and beautify our community.

About NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources: NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is a private nonprofit organization that has been assisting in providing decent, safe and affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods for twenty years.  NeighborWorks® has helped more than 900 families realize their dream of homeownership. NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources provides decent, safe and affordable housing and revitalize neighborhoods throughout the Western South Dakota communities.  For more information on NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources or NeighborWorks® Week, contact Stephany at 605-578-1401 or visit us on the web at www.NeighborWorks®dhr.org

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources Receives $5,000 Bill Kitchen Award from NeighborWorks® America

NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources is excited to announce that they were selected to receive a NeighborWorks® America District Grant for National NeighborWorks® Week, June 3rd-9th, 2012. The grant of $5,000 is in memory of Bill Kitchen, a former employee of NeighborWorks® America in Kansas City, MO.  Bill was a champion of NeighborWorks® Week.  NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is able to sponsor a number of activities during NeighborWorks® Week thanks to this grant and their many other partners.

“The Bill Kitchen Award is presented annually to the organization in the 13-state Midwest Region that presents the best NeighborWorks Week plan. We were quite impressed with the scope and reach of their plan and how well it suits the needs of the community.  NeighborWorks® Week, for NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources, is a celebration and a showcase of the good work they do year ‘round.” says NeighborWorks® America Management Consultant Steve Hermes. Hermes will present the Bill Kitchen Award to the NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources’ staff and board members on June 7th at 12pm in the NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources office located in Deadwood at 795 Main Street. Media presence is invited and requested to attend. 

NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources has several events scheduled during NeighborWorks Week including: Paint the Town, Community Plant Exchange, Revive Five, Trolley on the Trail, Treasures, Trash and Cash, and Lead Live. Each event engages residents to be a part of their communities.

About NeighborWorks America: NeighborWorks® America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $19.5 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks® America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.

About NeighborWorks Week: NeighborWorks® Week is sponsored by NeighborWorks America and its network of local organizations mobilize tens of thousands of volunteers, businesspeople, neighbors, friends, and local and national elected and civic leaders in a week of neighborhood change and awareness. They rehab and repair homes, paint and landscape properties, conduct neighborhood tours, recognize successful partnerships, and host events that educate, train and inform.

About NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources: NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is a private nonprofit organization that has been assisting in providing decent, safe and affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods for twenty years.  NeighborWorks® has helped more than 900 families realize their dream of homeownership. NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources provides decent, safe and affordable housing and revitalize neighborhoods throughout the Western South Dakota communities.  For more information on NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources or NeighborWorks® Week, contact Stephany at 605-578-1401 or visit us on the web at www.neighborworksdhr.org

Area volunteers pitch in

to paint local homes

Volunteers with NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources are picking up paint brushes and setting aside free time to help area residents maintain the value and livability of their homes.

Using primer and paint donated by South Dakota Housing Development Authority, volunteers are repainting homes that belong to people who are physically or financially unable to handle the project themselves. The NeighborWorks groups are painting two houses in Rapid City and one each in Edgemont, Sturgis, Box Elder, Spearfish, Deadwood, Lead and Central City.

The Black Hills project is part of the 15th annual Paint-South Dakota, a statewide program sponsored by SDHDA to help homeowners in need, to revitalize their homes and help maintain the quality of life in their communities. In all, 14 organizations are painting 22 houses in 20 South Dakota towns, including Roslyn, Centerville, Hoven, Beresford, Doland, Watertown, Lennox, Frankfort, Tripp, Parkston, Redfield, Reliance Elder and Winner. 

Just a few of the groups volunteering with NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources are  from Northern Hills Federal Credit Union, First Interstate Bank, Bank West, Ketel Thortenson, TDG Communications, Ellsworth AF, Rapid City Police Dept.,  and local resident volunteers for all the towns involved.  “Partnerships and volunteers are what make Paint the Town such a successful event.  People and organizations giving back to the community is what this is all about,” stated Sharon Martinisko, NWDHR Community Outreach and Education Coordinator.  “None of this would happen without all the community support!”

Under the program, homes must be single-family, owner-occupied dwellings in need of fresh exterior paint. 

"For homeowners, a new coat of paint means a great deal. It protects the house from weather, maintains its appearance and improves the quality of their neighborhood. However, this can be tough to do if you are disabled or on a fixed income," said Mark Lauseng, Executive Director of SDHDA. "Paint-South Dakota is a great way for these residents to stay in their homes and remain independent. We applaud the volunteers who donate their time to help make sure this happens."

College Park Block Club Receives Donation

 Local couple Dan and Madonna Goodart donated a garden shed to the Lemmon Avenue Community Garden on May 23^rd, 2012.  The shed will be used to store community garden tools and supplies.  Anytime Towing donated part of their service’s to deliver the shed to the community garden.  Residents of the College Park Block Club and volunteers from the Rapid City Police Department spent the afternoon placing the shed at its’ new home and organized all of the community garden tools. 

NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources and the residents of the College Park Block Club would like to thank Dan and Madonna Goodart for donating the garden shed and Anytime Towing for donating a portion of their time to bring the community shed into the neighborhood.  

Box Elder Job Corp Students Volunteer at Local Non-Profit

Box Elder Job Corp Students Planting at Hills Apartment Complex. 

April 30, 2012- Eight Box Elder Job Corp Students donated their time to plant over 200 plants and flowers at the Hills Apartment complex to alleviate erosion issues.  The Hills Apartments are income based and operated by local non-profit and housing agency, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources. 

Box Elder Job Corps General Education Director, Barb Hallberg, stated that the students have a great time putting their skills to use. “ Our students really embrace volunteer work.  They enjoy giving back and helping others.  We never lack volunteers when there is a community project that needs volunteers.”

Many of the students had never gardened before; they all enjoyed getting their hands dirty and learning about different types of plants.

Morgan Nadeau works the soil for the garden bed. 

Morgan Nadeau was one of the students that donated her time.  She has been a part of the Box Elder Job Corp program for a month.  She states that she really enjoys volunteering.  “It is fun to volunteer, we also get to know everyone better.”  Morgan said that this was her effort to participate in Arbor Day.  “I have always wanted to plant a tree for Arbor Day, and today is my Earth Day celebration!”

Job Corps students have been volunteering in NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources community outreach programs for several years.  The Box Elder Job Corp students have catered specialty events, participated in citywide clean ups, built garden beds for College Park Community Garden (formally Lemmon Avenue Community Garden), and have painted a home during “Paint the Town” for 17 years. 

 NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources Home Rehab Specialist, Robert Thorp, stated, “The students really work hard, we appreciate all of their efforts and time they donate. The partnership between the Box Elder Job Corp and NeighborWorks® has allowed the students to get hands on experience, and has provided NeighborWorks® with great volunteers for our community events.”

About Box Elder Job Corp: The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service operates the Boxleder Job Corps. It is part of the nationally funded department of labor scholarship for underprivileged youth ages 16 – 24.  The Center’s goal is to teach eligible young people job skills and help place them in related jobs and/or help further their education. Career training offered at the center includes business technology, carpentry, culinary arts, certified nurse assistant, electrician, facility maintenance, painting, networking and computer technology, union bricklaying, and welding. The center relies on scholarships making it so there is no cost for students or families who are interested. To enroll at Boxelder Job Corps, contact an admissions counselor at (800) 733-5627.

About NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources:

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is a private non-profit organization that has been assisting in providing decent, safe and affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods for twenty years.  NeighborWorks® helps families and individuals Buy, Fix, and Keep their homes.  For more information on NeighborWorks programs contact Stephany at 605-578-1401

                                                                     

Custer Residents Learn about Affordable Housing Options

 Thanks to a group of local professionals, Custer residents were better educated on the home buying process.   Several professionals participated in a Custer Home Buyers Fair and Seminar organized by NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources.  Their goal was  to provide attendees with a  better understanding of the home buying process including insurance, budgets, credit, appraisals, financing, home inspections, and working with a realtor.    

With interest rates so low, many are thinking about buying a home but are not sure where to start.   Buying a home is one of most important purchases that one will make in their life time.  Buyers need to understand all of their options before jumping in.

Presenters from Century 21, Highmark Federal Credit Union, First Interstate Bank, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources, Dakota Land Trust, and Meade County Housing, shared their knowledge with attendees. 

Financial Services Manager at Highmark Federal Credit Union, Josh Campbell suggests that you compare all your options before selecting your lender.  Each homebuyer has a unique situation and each lender has special programs that can fit their needs.

According to a study prepared by Hanna: Keelen Associates in June of 2009, the median cost of home in Custer in 2009 was $123,900 and is expected to grow to $167,900 by 2019.  The need for affordable housing is an issue that many of the housing professionals realize.  Being educated on the market and all of home buying options will provide you with the best results. 

Affordable housing agencies, Dakota Land Trust (DLT) and Meade County Housing explained that by laying partnerships homes can become more affordable.  Dakota Land Trust works by sparing low income buyers the cost of the land, thus requiring only the cost of the house to be financed. The property is leased to the homeowner, who can renew the lease every 99 years, provided they or their descendants remain the inhabitants.  Governors’ homes are a quality, low-cost, low-maintenance, energy efficient place for income-qualified individuals and families to call home.  Executive Director of Dakota Land Trust, Joy McCracken, stated that often times by utilizing both DLT and Governors House families can get into a home for less than what they are paying in rent.

About NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is a private non-profit organization that works to assist families with their dream of homeownership and revitalize communities to improve the quality of life. NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources has assisted over 900 families achieve their dream of homeownership. 

If you would like more information about NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources or the Custer Home Buyers Fair, contact Stephany at 605-578-1401 or visit us on the web at www.NeighborWorksdhr.org

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Residents Learn How to Build Their Own Green House in Deadwood

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources hosted a workshop on “How to Build Your Own Green House” Wednesday, April 24^th 2012.  The workshop provided hands on techniques and advice that focused on: building materials, construction plans and, the benefits of a greenhouse. 

NeighborWorks® Rehab Specialist, Robert Thorp, offered his knowledge and techniques on how to build an efficient home green house.  Robert allowed attendees to view his green house that he designed and constructed nearly 12 years ago. He stated that construction and operating cost could vary when building a green house.  No green house needs to be exactly the same; construction should be based on your needs and expectations. Gardening is a passion for Robert,  his green house is 120 square feet, and is on the higher end of cost because he continues to improve it and add extra amenities.

Robert’s greenhouse produces   60-80 pounds of tomatoes, dozens of sweet bell peppers and allows him to start growing all of his annual flowers.   During the spring and fall months the average daily cost is approximately a $1.30 a day.  Robert utilizes his green house April through November.  He states the value of having fresh produce is worth his cost and time. 

“Having your own green house does not only allow you to have fresh produce, it is a therapeutic hobby” Robert stated.

Robert suggests that the first step in building a green house is to find the perfect location and place your greenhouse where you will have the most southern exposure.

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is a private non-profit organization that has been assisting in providing safe, decent and, affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods for twenty years.  NeighborWorks® helps families and individuals Buy, Fix, and Keep their homes.  NeighborWorks® host free post purchase workshops and homebuyer education classes to educate on home maintenance classes and the home buying process.   Classes are free and open to the public.  For a complete list of up-coming classes visit www.neighborworksdhr.org or contact NeighborWorks® at 605-578-1401. 

Neighborhood Garden Efforts Reach Surrounding Streets

Three years ago NeighborWorks partnered with the Rapid City Police Department and the residents of Lemmon Avenue  to create a block club and the neighborhood’s focal point at 706 Lemmon Ave., the Lemmon Avenue Community Garden. 

Since then the neighborhood has seen great improvements. “It seems like a different place. You go around town and talk to people and they can’t get over how clean Lemmon Avenue is looking,” said John Haag.

The Lemmon Avenue Block Club recently changed their name to the College Park Block Club to encompass the neighboring streets and spread the success of the improvements.  “We started in a small clump. We’re slowly starting to spread,” said John Haag, a Lemmon Avenue resident and the president of the College Park Block Club, formerly the Lemmon Avenue Block Club.

Senior Rapid City Police Officer Ron Terviel, who has worked on the project since its beginning, expects the revitalization to keep spreading. “I think it’s just going to keep on snowballing,” Terviel said. “We want to expand this thing and get more people involved.”Lemmon Avenue residents want their neighborhood revitalization efforts to spill into surrounding streets.

Saturday, April 21st the residents came a step closer to that goal when Wells Fargo donated property on nearby Willsie Avenue to NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources. 

716 Willsie was an uninhabitable abandoned house. The current structure will be demolished a new home will be built in its place for a low- to moderate-income family.

Before the structure was demolished the College Park Residents and Rapid City Police Department volunteers collected useable materials in the houseto be recycled and used for garden boxes for their community garden. 

The Residents of Lemmon and the College Park Block Club have gained a great deal of pride in their neighborhood since this project began.   They are working together to improve the quality of life for their neighbors and themselves.  "It is now a community", College Park Block Club President, John Haag stated.

  If you would like more information on the College Park Block Club or Community Garden, contact Sharon at 578-1401

Wells Fargo Donates Property to NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources

Rapid City, SD (04/21/2012) – Wells Fargo is supporting the NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources’ (NWDHR) mission to revitalize neighborhoods and create affordable housing by donating a Rapid City property.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Saturday, April 21, at 10 a.m. at 716 Willsie Ave. in Rapid City as Wells Fargo donated the property to NWDHR.  

716 Willsie Ave. was a Wells Fargo Real Estate Owned (REO) Property.  Wells Fargo’s REO Program facilitates the transfer of properties owned by Wells Fargo and investors to nonprofit housing intermediaries, like NWDHR, that have a history of providing sustainable, affordable homeownership or rental opportunities for low- to moderate-income (LMI) people.  The program is designed to take properties that have been foreclosed and move them back to the market to help stabilize local economies.

“We’re thrilled to continue our work with NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources to help stabilize and rebuild Black Hills neighborhoods, especially on a project that’s consistent with our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said John Senden, Business Banking vice president, market president for Wells Fargo in Spearfish and member of the NWDHR Board of Directors.  “By donating this property, we’re providing more than just safe and affordable housing—we’re providing hope for people in need.”

716 Willsie Ave. is a foreclosed property that is beyond repair and will need to be demolished.  To utilize all useable materials from the property, the College Park Block Club (formally Lemmon Avenue Block Club) will be helping salvage material to be used in the Lemmon Avenue Community Garden.  The rest of the structure will then be demolished by a local contractor and soon be transformed into a site for a safe, decent and affordable home.

“We are extremely pleased by the commitment Wells Fargo has shown toward NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources,” said NWDHR Executive Director Joy McCracken.  “Through the on-going commitment of Wells Fargo and other similar partners, NeighborWorks has helped change hundreds of lives throughout the Black Hills.”

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo provides financial services from 49 stores in 35 South Dakota and southwestern Minnesota communities and employs more than 3,700 team members throughout the region.  Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets.  Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com), and other distribution channels across North America and internationally.  With more than 270,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in America.  Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 23 on Fortune’s 2011 rankings of America’s largest corporations.  Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially.

About NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is a private non-profit organization that has been assisting in providing decent, safe and affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods for twenty years.  NeighborWorks® has helped more than 900 families realize their dream of homeownership. The partnership with Wells Fargo supports the NeighborWorks® mission and will allow NWDHR to continue to provide decent, safe and affordable housing and revitalize neighborhoods throughout our communities.  For more information on NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources or the Wells Fargo donation, contact Stephany at 605-578-1401