BISMARCK, ND – March 9, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) recognized five lenders and two advocates as Champions of Affordable Housing during the 2009 Statewide Housing Conference.
“These professionals have shown a strong commitment to providing affordable housing,” said Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson who presented the awards on behalf of the North Dakota Industrial Commission. “Without their assistance, NDHFA could not provide first-time buyers with reduced-interest rate loans. The Agency would not be able to ensure the continued availability of low-income rental units. And, it would not be able to help local government leaders struggling to meet the housing needs of rural communities.”
Receiving Lender Awards:
o Town and Country Credit Union with branches in Fargo, Minot, Kenmare and Ryder
o First Community Credit Union with locations in Bismarck, Jamestown, Fargo, Hankinson, Milnor, Napoleon, Oakes, Steele, Valley City, Wahpeton and Wishek
o Capital Credit Union with offices in Bismarck, Mandan, Hazen and Beulah
o State Bank & Trust with full-service bank locations in Fargo and Wahpeton
o Valley Mortgage, Inc., with offices in Fargo and Grand Forks
Lender awards are based on participation in the NDHFA’s homeownership programs and involvement in locally sponsored affordable housing projects and events.
Standing Rock Housing Authority (SRHA) was presented with the Housing Production Award. The housing authority serves the members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe of North and South Dakota and manages almost 900 total housing units. Since 2001, the housing authority has used a federal tax credit program to assist 463 families by encouraging homeownership in five new construction developments and rehabilitating 12 developments in great need of modernization. Without the hard work and determination of the SRHA, more than 8,000 tribal members living on the Standing Rock Reservation would have no where to turn for safe, decent and affordable housing
Howard Barlow of Fargo was recognized with a Leadership Award. He has been an advocate for affordable housing for many years. Barlow has been active in many organizations including the FM Workforce Housing Coalition, Fargo-Moorhead Coalition for Homeless Persons and the Fargo Housing Authority. He has advocated for housing for low-income and homeless persons and helps new American populations better understand their path to homeownership.
“Because of Howard’s dedicated work, citizens of the Fargo-Moorhead area are obtaining a more clear view of the need to serve the housing needs of all citizens,” said Johnson.
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 the NDHFA at (701) 328-8080, (800) 292-8621, (800) 366-6888 (TTY) or www.ndhfa.org.
The Industrial Commission of North Dakota, consisting of Governor John Hoeven, who serves as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, oversees the NDHFA.
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For more information: Sarah Mudder at (701) 328-8056 or smudder (at) ndhfa (dot) org
