Theresa Two Bulls, President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST) signed a proclamation declaring June 2010 National Homeownership Month. The signing event took place in conjunction with the live interview the OST Housing Authority, Partnership for Housing and USDA Rural Development held with KILI Radio commentator Tom Casey on May 26th. USDA Rural Development Area Director Tim Potts was on site discussing the many opportunities available to qualified applicants through our housing programs.
“USDA Rural Development is actively engaged with assisting the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in increasing homeownership opportunities in coordination with our public, private, and non-profit partners,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Elsie M. Meeks. “Homeownership often leads to economic improvements, a better sense of pride in yourself and of the community.”
During this 2010 National Homeownership Month, the Oglala Sioux Tribe fully concurs with the National Homeownership Strategy and the National Partners involved with homeownership, including USDA Rural Development. The OST is excited to partner with USDA Rural Development, the OST Housing Authority, and Partnership for Housing to work with residents on the availability of homeownership.
In South Dakota, Rural Development programs helped 1,275 families to obtain homes or preserve homeownership through making essential repairs that helped them to remain in their homes last year. This fiscal year, the agency is poised to help more families than ever before, with 1,033 families already assisted to date. South Dakota USDA Rural Development Offices are located in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Yankton.
South Dakota Homeownership Month Observance: left to right: Kevin Yellow Bird Steele – OST President’s Office representative; Pinky Clifford – Oglala Sioux Tribe Partnership for Housing; USDA Rural Development Area Director Tim Potts; and Paul Iron Cloud – Oglala Lakota Housing Authority.