BISMARCK, ND – February 17, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) recognized three lenders and two housing advocates as Champions of Affordable Housing at the 2011 Statewide Housing Conference.
“The NDHFA is making a difference,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring when he presented the awards on behalf of the North Dakota Industrial Commission. “However, none of the NDHFA’s achievements would be possible without assistance. To recognize the work of its outstanding partners, the Agency created the Champion of Affordable Housing Awards.
Receiving lender awards:
* Cornerstone Bank with offices in Fargo and Bismarck;
* Dakota Community Bank, serving nine communities in North Dakota; and,
* Western Cooperative Credit Union of Dickinson and Williston
The lender awards are based on participation in NDHFA’s homeownership programs and involvement in locally sponsored affordable housing projects and events.
Cooper House of Fargo was presented with a Housing Production Award. Cooper House was developed by Beyond Shelter in partnership with the Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The property employs the “Housing First” model which recognizes a home as a stable platform for delivering supportive services to help the tenant stabilize their life.
“Although Cooper House has not solved homelessness, it has made a positive impact in the lives of the tenants,” said Goehring.
Jessica Thomasson of Lutheran Social Services Housing, Inc. in Fargo was recognized with a Leadership Award. She is credited with helping many rural North Dakota communities gain housing they desperately need.
“Jessica’s work has provided the state with a proven model for how a non-profit housing developer can listen to a community and then engage local residents, leaders and lenders to address their affordable housing needs,” said Goehring. “Jessica is a true leader and has an unfailing ‘can do’ attitude.”
NDHFA began recognizing Champions of Affordable Housing in 1995. Real estate agents are honored by the Agency during their association’s annual conference in September. For more information on the awards or other NDHFA programs, contact NDHFA at (701) 328-8080, (800) 292-8621 or (800)366-6888 (TTY).
The Industrial Commission of North Dakota, consisting of Governor Jack Dalyrymple, who serves as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, oversees the NDHFA.
Contact:
Bismarck Main Office — (701) 328-8080
ND Toll Free (800) 292-8621
Fax (701) 328-8090
TTY (800) 366-6888
