June Proclaimed Homeownership Month in South Dakota - SDHDA Celebrates

In an announcement in early June, Gov. M. Michael Rounds proclaimed June 2003 Homeownership Month in South Dakota.  In his Proclamation, the Governor emphasized the importance of homeownership in South Dakota, recognizing and also challenging SDHDA and its partners to continue their efforts.

"It is so important that SDHDA and our housing partners work to their fullest potential to offer homeownership opportunities to our residents," said Governor Rounds.  "Homeownership provides the essential stability South Dakota needs."

In accepting the Governor's challenge, SDHDA has recently offered South Dakotans their lowest mortgage rates in their 30-year history.  SDHDA's First-time Homebuyer rates dropped to 4.75% for the 30-year Fixed Rate and 3.75% for the starting Step Rate in April. 

SDHDA also celebrated Homeownership Month by continuing its Paint - South Dakota Campaign. 

For the past five years, SDHDA has sponsored the Paint - South Dakota Campaign, purchasing paint and primer for 128 homes across South Dakota.

"We have continued the campaign because of its success and the benefits it gives to people, volunteers, and communities," said John Rothstein of Mobridge, Chairman of the SDHDA Board of Commissioners.  "We had an overwhelming response this year with 34 applicants.  Our fifth anniversary met us with an overwhelming response to this effort.  We received nearly 40 applications."

In the past the program has been limited to 25 applications, but with the volume of volunteer groups coming forward this year, the SDHDA Board of Commissioners agreed to award all applications SDHDA received. 

"It wasn't a difficult decision, this is a great program that brings communities and people together to help their fellow citizens, and the homeowners are very grateful," concluded Rothstein.

Despite rainy weather in areas of South Dakota, 20 of the 35 homes to be painted in this year's campaign were completed in June.  The remainder of the homes will be completed in July.

For more information on SDHDA's Paint - South Dakota Campaign, contact Greg Jasmer at (605) 773-5631.

The before and after pictures of a home painted by the Centerville Chamber of Commerce.  Twenty-three volunteers applied 32 gallons of  paint and primer to this home, which sets on main street in Centerville.  "It was fun for the community to do and also allowed for great fellowship," said one volunteer.