BISMARCK, ND – May 12, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Typically North Dakota Housing Finance Agency employee involvement in projects underwritten by the Helping Housing Across North Dakota program includes reviewing expenses and processing payments. This Saturday, May 15, the staff takes on a new role, participating first-hand in a Rebuilding Together project.
“Each year, a portion of North Dakota Housing’s earnings are granted to local nonprofits through Helping HAND. This year our staff will step out from behind their desks and actually take part in a rehab project,” said Mike Anderson, NDHFA executive director.
Helping HAND addresses the immediate housing needs of low-income families in North Dakota. Grants are generally used to support weatherization programs or update existing residential properties.
“Even though we handle the paperwork for rehab projects regularly, being able to participate in one gives the work new meaning,” said Anita Hoffman, NDHFA’s Rebuilding Together house co-captain. “It is a strong reminder of the fact that not everyone has the finances or family members to help them care for their home.”
Rebuilding Together is a national program that relies on volunteer labor and donations to assist homeowners who are physically or economically unable to maintain or repair their home. The local affiliate has rehabilitated more than 100 homes in the Bismarck/Mandan area in the past 13 years.
This year, North Dakota Housing will distribute nearly $450,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations statewide through Helping HAND. The agency hopes to make participation in Rebuilding Together an annual event.
