BISMARCK, ND – March 1, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) recognized four lenders and two advocates as Champions of Affordable Housing at the 2010 Statewide Housing Conference.
“The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency relies on a multitude of partners to deliver its services – affordable home loans for first-time buyers; safe, decent and accessible rental housing for low-income families; and technical assistance and fiscal resources to address the housing challenges faced by rural communities,” said Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem who presented the awards on behalf of the North Dakota Industrial Commission. “To recognize the work of their outstanding housing partners, the Agency created the Champion of Affordable Housing Awards.”
Lender awards are based on participation in the NDHFA’s homeownership programs and involvement in locally sponsored affordable housing projects and events. Participating lenders recognized by the Agency included:
- Cornerstone Bank with locations in Enderlin, Fargo, Bismarck, Sheldon, Fort Ransom and Lisbon.
- First International Bank & Trust with branches in Watford City, Williston, Alexander, Elgin, Fessenden, Killdeer, Bowdon, Fargo, Harvey, Minot and West Fargo.
- Gate City Bank serving 15 cities in North Dakota.
- Western Cooperative Credit Union with offices in Dickinson and Williston.
Leadership and Housing Production award winners were selected based on the impact that the individual, project or organization has made on a community or the state during the past year.
Turtle Mountain Housing Authority (TMHA) was presented with the Housing Production Award. Since 2004, the TMHA has used the federal tax credit program to help more than 100 families by encouraging homeownership in one new construction development and three rehabbed developments that were in need of modernization.
Mike Zainhofsky of Bismarck was recognized with a Leadership Award. During his career, the former executive director of the Burleigh County Housing Authority oversaw the development of more than 160 units for the elderly population, 32 handicap accessible units, 96 units to serve low-income families, and a 27-bed transitional living center for women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Zainhofsky also was instrumental in the establishment of a program that has helped 18 families that were living in public housing to become successful homeowners.
NDHFA began recognizing Champions of Affordable Housing in 1995. Real estate agents were honored by the Agency 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 Doug Goehring and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, oversees the NDHFA.
