IMPACT
in Sturgis
Your Generosity in Action
A Sturgis native and mother of two recently celebrated the dedication of her new home—a long-awaited dream for her family. She and her two young sons had been living in a crowded home with her father, eager for a space where her children could flourish and her father could have some peace and quiet.
“I wanted to make some changes,” she shared. “I’d wanted us to have our own home for a while and was trying to save up for one, but with housing prices like they are, I just couldn’t do it. I’d get approved by the bank, but the loan wouldn’t be enough. I put my application in with Habitat and hoped I’d get chosen. Without Habitat, we wouldn’t have our home.”
To qualify for the program, she demonstrated her need for housing, met the income criteria, and completed 250 hours of “sweat equity.” This meant actively participating in the construction of her own home, as well as assisting with other Habitat Partner Families’ homes. Additionally, she took part in educational programs on financial management and home maintenance, equipping her with essential skills for long-term success. Now, she will make affordable monthly mortgage payments, contributing to future Habitat projects.
The community came together to celebrate the dedication of her home, which was made possible through a variety of funding sources, including a Housing Opportunity Fund grant for down payment assistance and support from GROW South Dakota. Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity relies on donations from individuals, faith communities, foundations, and corporations to make affordable housing accessible.
Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized how meaningful it was to be involved in building her home: “It was super amazing putting up that last piece and being like, ‘Wow, this is my home.’ It makes me appreciate it so much more to see all the work that goes into it.”
This story is a victory not just for one family but for the community as a whole. “A decent home gives families the strength, stability, and independence they need to create a better life for themselves and their families. This strengthens the entire community,” said Scott Engmann, Black Hills Area Habitat Executive Director.
Since 1990, Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity has impacted over 650 individuals through affordable homeownership and critical home repairs.
Thanks to generous donors like you, United Way of the Black Hills is able to make stories like this possible!