BISMARCK – The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) recognized five lenders and two housing advocates as Champions of Affordable Housing during their 2008 Statewide Housing Conference.
“Without the assistance of these partnering organizations, the staff at NDHFA would not be able to provide affordable home loans, ensure the availability of affordable rental units or offer a hand to community leaders struggling to meet the housing needs of their people,” said Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, who presented the awards on behalf of the Industrial Commission.
Receiving Lender Awards:
- Bremer Bank, part of the Bremer Financial Services Company;
- Capital Credit Union, a community-based credit union with five offices in Bismarck/Mandan;
- CommunityWorks North Dakota, a nonprofit organization based in Bismarck;
- Starion Financial, seven branches in North Dakota; and
- Gate City Bank, serving customers in rural and urban areas of the state since 1923.
Lender awards are based on participation in the Agency’s homeownership programs and involvement in locally sponsored affordable housing projects and events.
Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity of Fargo-Moorhead, a nonprofit housing developer who specializes in the construction of homes for low-income working families, received the Housing Production Award. All of Habitat’s partner families are first-time homeowners who earn no more than 50 percent of the area median income. Most of the families have children under the age of 18. Since 1991, Lake Agassiz has built 22 homes in Cass (ND) and Clay (MN) counties; seven of the homes were built in 2007.
Bryan Quigley of Stanley was recognized with the Leadership Award. As founder of the Dreamcatcher’s Camp, Quigley has been instrumental in giving new life to 14 homes on and around the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. Through camp activities, youth learn about service while reaching out to low-income families. During the camp, homes in desperate need of repairs are rehabbed, making them safe and decent places to live.
“Because of this program, the households touched know that there are people who care about them and are willing to invest time to help them,” said Stenehjem “Bryan not only brought a problem to our attention, but also worked to provide a solution for those households that need assistance the most.”
NDHFA began recognizing Champions of Affordable Housing in 1995. Real estate agents are honored by the Agency during their 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.
