Deputy Administrator for Single Family Housing USDA Rural Development Joyce Allen today participated in the South Dakota (SD) Homeownership Coalition Tour and Convening held on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The tour coincides with USDA’s National Homeownership Month that celebrates the vital contribution homeowners have made to communities across rural America.
“This tour gives me the opportunity to see firsthand all of the good work that is being done in South Dakota on the reservation to provide individuals and families with essential keys to homeownership through USDA’s housing programs,” said Allen. “Owning a home offers rural families the secure environment they need, and also helps invigorate local rural economies that are vital to the long-term security and well-being of our nation.”
The day’s event is organized by the SD Native Homeownership Coalition, in partnership with local member organizations on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The Coalition works to promote Native American homeownership in South Dakota. Each year the Coalition visits a tribal community so that members can learn about one another’s successful homeownership development efforts. The Coalition visited Cheyenne River Reservation in 2016, Sisseton Wahpeton in 2015, and Pine Ridge in 2014.
USDA has been a key player in supporting Coalition efforts. USDA provides mortgage loan guarantees through partnerships with private-sector lenders to help low- to moderate-income rural homebuyers. In 2016, USDA invested $4,333,489 on the Oglala Sioux Tribal Reservation, including $755,662 from the housing programs to help rural individuals and families.
To learn more about USDA’s observance of National Homeownership Month, please visit our Facebook page, follow @USDARD or @RD_SouthDakota on Twitter, or contact Janell Telin at 605-824-3622.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; homeownership; community services such as schools, public safety and healthcare; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.