NeighborWorks Celebrates 900th Homebuyer!

For Eric Linn, the best part of homeownership is the realization that without programs like NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources, he probably wouldn't be living where he is.

"I'm really thankful to be building equity in my own place," said Linn, who recently purchased a newly constructed 2000-square foot, three bedroom home. "Without these programs, I wouldn't be doing that."

Linn was able to move his 6-year-old twin girls and 9-year-old boy into their new Box Elder home before Thanksgiving, something he wasn't always sure would be possible.

"My dream was to be in our new home by Christmas, but we were able to move in even earlier," he said. "Two months ago, the foundation was there but there was no roof. It went up really fast -- what a great Christmas present."

Before Linn discovered the USDA Rural Development program and NeighborWorks, his odds of buying a home were not all that good.

"I looked into getting a loan from a bank, and going that route, I simply could not get into a home based upon what I could afford," he said. NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources offers down payment and closing cost assistance to families like the Linns, who qualify under specific income guidelines.

Linn participated in NeighborWorks Home Buyer Education and received financing for his down payment and closing cost, making him NeighborWorks' 900th home buyer. A celebration of Linn's achievement as well as the success of the NeighborWorks program was held Saturday at Linn's new home.

For Linn, the buyer education program involved two three-hour classes that covered the entire home buying process, and included presentations from real estate agents, bankers and others actively involved in the purchase of a home.

"We teach people what they need to know to become homeowners," said Stephany Valkenburg, NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources marketing director.

The buyer education program, along with post-purchase classes that teach homeowners how to maintain a home, are free of charge and are open to anyone, not just those who qualify for home buying assistance through NeighborWorks. Valkenburg said that through "neighborhood block clubs" in Rapid City, Deadwood, Edgemont, Wall, Lead and Box Elder, the organization "helps bring communities together."

For Linn, obtaining a five-year interest free loan to cover his down payment took away some of the pressure first-time home buyers face.

"When you buy a home, there are so many more things to consider than just the obvious things like the purchase price, down payment and closing costs," Linn said. "For me, there were things like buying appliances. The help I received gave me one less thing to worry about."

Casino Royale-2011

Box Elder Warm and Safe-2011

$10,000 Donation From First Interstate Bank and First Interstate Bank Foundation

 DEADWOOD, SD (11/10/11) – First Interstate Bank Representatives presented a check in the amount of $10,000 on behalf of First Interstate Bank and The First Interstate Bank Foundation, to NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources Executive Director Joy McCracken at NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources third annual Casino Royale Fundraising event on November 10^th at 6pm. 


NeighborWorks® is a non-profit organization with a mission to create decent, safe, and affordable housing in Black Hills Communities by offering free Homebuyer’s Education classes, credit counseling, and housing rehab services. The donation proceeds from First Interstate Bank will benefit NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources and support their campaign for homeownership.


 In 1998, NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources became involved with NeighborWorks America’s “Campaign for Home Ownership.”  This campaign seeks to revitalize communities by offering homeownership opportunities.  Through the assistance of NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources families in South Dakota are realizing their dream of homeownership.First Interstate Bank was the first to show their support and help kick off NeighborWorks® Annual “Campaign for Home Ownership”.  


First Interstate Bank President of the Deadwood Market and Board of Director's Member of the First Interstate Bank Foundation, Shawn Rost stated, “We are pleased to show our continued support for the mission of NeighborWorks, in these trying economic times, the support for the homeownership initiative in Western South Dakota is more important than ever.  First Interstate Bank and The First Interstate Bank Foundation are proud to support NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources and their mission to the community.”


Joy McCracken Executive Director of NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources stated “we appreciate the continued support from First Interstate Bank and their ability of having the foresight to understand the benefits of homeownership and the positive outcomes it has on our families and communities. Through these strong partnerships our programs and services will continue to flourish.” Since 1992, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources has provided a variety of programs and services that has assisted 898 low-and moderate-income families with the purchase of their homes. 


In November, NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources will celebrate their 900^th homebuyer.  First Interstate’s on-going generosity provides financial support for the continuation of such programs and services to benefit the residents of our communities. For more information about NeighborWorks’ programs and services, call 578-1401 or visit its website at www.neigborworksdhr.org. 

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$500 Grant helps Weatherize Trailer Homes in Box Elder

$500 Grant helps Weatherize Trailer Homes in Box Elder

Box Elder, SD (10-13-11)- Box Elder resident Lora Heinrich received a $500 forgivable grant from NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources that helped replace two original, 1972 single pane, windows and a leaky door in her trailer home with new energy efficient windows and door.

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources created the $500 grant program to help Box Elder residents weatherize and improve the quality of owner occupied trailer homes in Box Elder.The $500 forgivable grant will assist in the purchase of materials that will make a home more energy efficient.  The grant can be used to purchase new windows, doors, and repair minor plumbing and heating issues. 

Lora Heinrich has lived in her 1972 trailer for four years and has been a resident of Box Elder since 1989.  She has constantly been working to make her house more efficient.  With the grant Lora replaced two windows in her home that had been an issue since she moved in. The main window in the living room allowed water to seep in and cause damage to the wall and floor. The bedroom window had a built in non-working air-conditioner that she could not take out.  The new windows will prevent sweeping waters from destroying the wall. She was also able to remove the window and air-conditioned that could be considered a fire hazard.  “The $500 grant has been a big help in getting the necessary repairs done in my home.  If I would have had to purchase the windows and doors I would not have money left for other materials.”

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources is a private non-profit organization that works to assist families with their dream of homeownership and revitalize the communities to improve the quality of life.  NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources can assist you in fixing your home. 

If you would like more information on the $500 grant please contact Doris or Roxanne at the Box Elder NeighborWorks® office at 605-923-6007 or visit the website at www.neighborworksdhr.org

 

"Growing Family Has Something to Call Their Own"

First time homebuyer Aaron Sumners and his family moved into their brand new home on July 11th, 2011.

The family of five purchased their home in Box Elder with assistance from NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources and USDA Rural Development.

Aaron stated the best part of homeownership is his family now has something they can call their own.   

On August 4^th, 2011, NeighborWorks Executive Director Joy McCracken, Box Elder Mayor Al Dial, Box Elder Chamber of Commerce Executive Director April Hicks, chamber board member Debra Cash and Sentinel Federal Credit Union Loan Officer Nancy Elwein welcomed the family into their new home.