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The South Dakota Community Foundation is pleased to announce that Dakota Resources has been awarded a $15,000 grant to assist with their Rural Housing Collaborative (RHC). This grant was presented through the South Dakota Community Foundation’s statewide grant program.
The RHC consists of representatives from twenty-six organizations that are striving to address the challenges of rural housing. In 2012 the “Home Address” pilot project was launched with a purpose of increasing the capacity of rural communities to develop strategic housing now and in the future. Eight communities applied to become Home Address Pilot Sites. Teams of up to five people attended an all-day training in Pierre before completing their final applications. Four Sites were selected: Miller, Wagner, Faulk County and Martin/LaCreek District Pine Ridge Reservation. Each of these Sites has organized a local leadership team to engage in the work.
Home Address is addressing the systemic barriers to housing development that are prevalent in rural communities. Sites gain access to information, resource providers, community engagement coaching, co-learning between Sites and other housing-related technical expertise. They will be positioned to develop specific and appropriate housing plans to meet their needs.
The RHC sought funding when a grant from USDA fell through. The South Dakota Community Foundation joined South Dakota Housing Development Authority, Citi Foundation and the Bush Foundation to ensure the continuance of the program. According to Stephanie Judson, President of the South Dakota Community Foundation, the lack of affordable housing in rural South Dakota is a serious concern.
“The Home Address program will assist these communities to find solutions to their housing issues. The South Dakota Community Foundation is pleased to be a partner on this important economic development project,” Judson said.
The South Dakota Community Foundation is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. The Foundation solicits funds and invests in a wide range of programs promoting the social and economic well-being of the people of South Dakota. The Foundation commingles money from more than 550 funds for investment and administration purposes. Earnings from approximately $150 million are available for distribution for non-profit, charitable and scholarship purposes. For more information on the South Dakota Community Foundation, contact our office at 1-800-888-1842.
