Habitat for Humanity builds four new homes in North Rapid

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Black Hills Habitat for Humanity is revamping part of a neighborhood in the North Rapid community to contribute to the building of affordable housing. The four homes are being built with the help of a longtime collaborator.

The neighborhood on the corner of Midway and Mac Arthur Streets was once a corner with condemned homes occupied by squatters. Now, Black Hills Habitat for Humanity is building four new affordable homes on the block.

Habitat Executive Director Scott Engmann says they want to continue to provide affordable homes, as the average house price continues to skyrocket.

“The need and the challenge on both the rental and ownership sides is massive, and so we have to continue to not only raise money and volunteer resources locally, but we have to work with the state.”

Engmann is grateful that the South Dakota legislature was able to reach a compromise to fund infrastructure projects for affordable housing, and is optimistic that Governor Kristi Noem will sign it.

He adds that collaborations have also been essential in building the homes, particularly with Thrivent, a financial company and longtime collaborator.

“They engage their membership, and come out and help build, and are real key partners to make sure that habitat keeps building affordable housing, and embraces the sweat equity, the volunteer engagement that get people out to serve, and be part of the community and strengthen our neighborhoods,” Engmann said.

The first home on the block will be dedicated on March 29th.

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