Mitchell Regional Habitat COVID-19 Response
This unprecedented time in our world is affecting every aspect of life as we know it. Mitchell Regional Habitat will continue to work to eliminate substandard housing in the Mitchell region throughout this crisis even as our organization is facing unique challenges.
We continue to raise awareness of the importance of a safe, decent, affordable home. As people are encouraged to stay home right now it's more vital than ever that they have a safe and affordable place to stay. In South Dakota 1 in 9 households spend more than half their income on housing. Experts generally say that housing should cost no more than 30% of annual income, yet 1 in 4 households in Mitchell spend more than 30% of their income on housing. The need for affordable housing is great and we are working to make an affordable home a reality for everyone.
Our office is temporarily closed to the public, but we are always available by email, on Facebook, and by phone at 996-9068. Please leave a message when you call - we remotely monitor all messages left at that number and will return messages promptly.
We have extended the deadline for new homeowner applications through April 15th and are now accepting applications online. If you or someone you know is in need of affordable housing and meets the basic qualifications please apply!
We are postponing our Living Quarters fundraiser to a date yet to be determined this fall. Please keep us in mind as you accumulate your loose change throughout the summer. We will have more details to announce soon.
As of right now our Garden Party is still being planned for June 5th. We will monitor developments and adjust our plans accordingly.
If you are a homeowner and need options for mortgage relief please contact your mortgage holder directly to make arrangements. There is no fee required to secure mortgage relief.
Please consider giving a donation to support our work of making sure everyone has a safe and affordable shelter during this time. Thank you for supporting your Mitchell Regional Habitat for Humanity.
We continue to raise awareness of the importance of a safe, decent, affordable home. As people are encouraged to stay home right now it's more vital than ever that they have a safe and affordable place to stay. In South Dakota 1 in 9 households spend more than half their income on housing. Experts generally say that housing should cost no more than 30% of annual income, yet 1 in 4 households in Mitchell spend more than 30% of their income on housing. The need for affordable housing is great and we are working to make an affordable home a reality for everyone.
Our office is temporarily closed to the public, but we are always available by email, on Facebook, and by phone at 996-9068. Please leave a message when you call - we remotely monitor all messages left at that number and will return messages promptly.
We have extended the deadline for new homeowner applications through April 15th and are now accepting applications online. If you or someone you know is in need of affordable housing and meets the basic qualifications please apply!
We are postponing our Living Quarters fundraiser to a date yet to be determined this fall. Please keep us in mind as you accumulate your loose change throughout the summer. We will have more details to announce soon.
As of right now our Garden Party is still being planned for June 5th. We will monitor developments and adjust our plans accordingly.
If you are a homeowner and need options for mortgage relief please contact your mortgage holder directly to make arrangements. There is no fee required to secure mortgage relief.
Please consider giving a donation to support our work of making sure everyone has a safe and affordable shelter during this time. Thank you for supporting your Mitchell Regional Habitat for Humanity.
A Message from Habitat for Humanity International CEO
A message from Jonathan Reckford: For some, “shelter in place” is a different kind of crisis
With each passing day, we all find ourselves trying to adapt to the measures required to combat the spread of COVID-19. In countries and cultures all around the world, “stay at home” is the message of the moment. “Shelter in place.”
It’s the right thing to do, and if we are all able to flatten the curve, we know that we will have, together, saved countless lives.
But all of us at Habitat for Humanity also know that there are far too many families for whom this isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. The uncertainty so many of us feel today, these families have felt for a lifetime — if not generations.
Where for many “shelter in place” means figuring out logistics and adjusting mindsets, for others it only exacerbates the conditions with which they have struggled for so long. Houses already not healthy because of leaks or mold. Homes already overcrowded because the only way to afford rent or save up money is for extended family to stay together in a too-small space. Homes without easy access to a constant water supply. Spaces that shelter, but only just.
Where for many “stock up on what you need” means a frustrating, jarring trip through the inconveniently (and temporarily) hit-or-miss-stocked shelves of a local market, for others it’s a reminder of how close to the financial edge they have already been living every day. Imagine that, for these families, shopping for supplies always feels this way — not because of the crowds around them hurrying to acquire whatever they can, but because they have to make terrible choices every day. In order to make sure the rent can be paid, which would you choose? Filling a basket with healthy groceries. Filling a necessary prescription. Filling the tank of your car with the fuel that allows you to do either.
When these are the choices you face, you can’t win. As the economic shocks from this crisis ripple out, these same families will be hardest hit. They always are. For far too many, as businesses have closed and hourly workers have lost their jobs, it has already begun. These are the families with whom we partner.
They are going to need our hand up now more than ever. And now more than ever, our work — much like flattening the curve — will require all of us, together. You can help us help these families, these communities, our neighbors build back. Stronger, in solidarity and with your support
Jonathan Reckford
CEO
Habitat for Humanity International
With each passing day, we all find ourselves trying to adapt to the measures required to combat the spread of COVID-19. In countries and cultures all around the world, “stay at home” is the message of the moment. “Shelter in place.”
It’s the right thing to do, and if we are all able to flatten the curve, we know that we will have, together, saved countless lives.
But all of us at Habitat for Humanity also know that there are far too many families for whom this isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. The uncertainty so many of us feel today, these families have felt for a lifetime — if not generations.
Where for many “shelter in place” means figuring out logistics and adjusting mindsets, for others it only exacerbates the conditions with which they have struggled for so long. Houses already not healthy because of leaks or mold. Homes already overcrowded because the only way to afford rent or save up money is for extended family to stay together in a too-small space. Homes without easy access to a constant water supply. Spaces that shelter, but only just.
Where for many “stock up on what you need” means a frustrating, jarring trip through the inconveniently (and temporarily) hit-or-miss-stocked shelves of a local market, for others it’s a reminder of how close to the financial edge they have already been living every day. Imagine that, for these families, shopping for supplies always feels this way — not because of the crowds around them hurrying to acquire whatever they can, but because they have to make terrible choices every day. In order to make sure the rent can be paid, which would you choose? Filling a basket with healthy groceries. Filling a necessary prescription. Filling the tank of your car with the fuel that allows you to do either.
When these are the choices you face, you can’t win. As the economic shocks from this crisis ripple out, these same families will be hardest hit. They always are. For far too many, as businesses have closed and hourly workers have lost their jobs, it has already begun. These are the families with whom we partner.
They are going to need our hand up now more than ever. And now more than ever, our work — much like flattening the curve — will require all of us, together. You can help us help these families, these communities, our neighbors build back. Stronger, in solidarity and with your support
Jonathan Reckford
CEO
Habitat for Humanity International
DEDICATION FOR HOUSE #7!
On January 21, 2020, Mitchell Regional Habitat for Humanity celebrated one of our favorite events—a dedicationfor a new home! The event took place at 1212 South Kimball Street in Mitchell. Representatives from the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and area residents attended the dedication.
Jean Hale was chosen as the next homeowner in 2018 after passing all qualification requirements. Jean is a Mitchell resident raising three granddaughters, ages 3 through 12.
Board member Kourtney Denne presented Jean with the keys to her new house, saying: “We want to thank the Hale family, as well as Jean’s friends and relatives. They have put in hundreds of hours and have been willing to do whatever has been necessary to build this home. We’d like to present you with the keys to your new home! We’re thrilled that you accepted the challenge and chose to partner with us."
New homeowner families meet strict income and credit requirements, complete 200+ hours of “sweat equity,” and repay a no-interest mortgage to Habitat.
Since 2001, Mitchell Habitat has built or repaired 25+ nearby homes in cooperation with volunteers, donors, businesses, and partner families.
New homeowner families meet strict income and credit requirements, complete 200+ hours of “sweat equity,” and repay a no-interest mortgage to Habitat.
Since 2001, Mitchell Habitat has built or repaired 25+ nearby homes in cooperation with volunteers, donors, businesses, and partner families.
Habitat Names New Executive Director
Anessa Klumb has been hired as the new Executive Director for Mitchell Regional Habitat for Humanity (MRHFH). She began her new position on December 2. Klumb replaces Debbie Asmus, who retired on November 30, but will remain involved as a member of the Mitchell Habitat board.
An area native, Klumb has extensive administrative, marketing, and social media experience. She previously worked at Vantage Point Solutions as a CAD support specialist and at Mitchell Public Library as a library assistant. She is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University. “I'm excited about this opportunity to invest in and enrich my community,” Klumb said. “I look forward to partnering with local businesses and families to give a hand up to those in need. This community has done so much to support and encourage me, and I'm thankful to be able to give back in this manner.” “Anessa brings so much enthusiasm and experience to our organization,” noted Bonny Hansen, Mitchell Habitat Board president. “We believe she will help Mitchell Habitat expand our services to help more area residents who need decent, affordable housing and home repairs. We’re excited to welcome her aboard!” Klumb lives with her family on a farm outside of Mitchell. She enjoys volunteering at Mitchell Wesleyan Church and Mitchell Area Community Theater and is involved with several other local organizations. |
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