Brunch 2007

Deadwood (12/17/07) On December 7th, Neighborhood Housing Services of the Black Hills (NHSBH) celebrated 15 years of “Building Communities” at their Annual Fundraising Celebration. The celebration was held at the Homestake Mansion. Tom Griffith of TDG Communications and NHSBH Board Member, entertained the audience as Master of Ceremonies. The celebration highlighted NHSBH’s successes of the last 15 years including stories of the early days of Neighborhood Housing Services. Neighborhood Housing Services also marked a milestone in celebrating their 600th homebuyer. Brad Kirksey and Alicia Wood of Belle Fourche were presented with a welcome basket as they told their story of become new homeowners.

Music was provided by Paul Vande Velde on the piano and a silent auction was held in an effort to raise additional funds for Neighborhood Housing Services’ Campaign for Neighborhoods. Auction items were donated by the City of Sturgis; Deadwood Eye Care; Allegiant Air; Homestake Mining Company; Round House Liquors; and Ira and Jamie Olson. The auction raised over $1,100, assisting NHS in their efforts towards its fundraising goal of $40,000.

A special presentation was made in celebration of Joy McCracken, NHSBH Executive Director and founding member. Present and former NHSBH Board Presidents, Eric Fowler and Mike Guilbert recalled the last 15 years and Joy’s efforts for the organization. A special presentation was also given by Steve Hermes with NeighborWorks America who recounted all of her work in the National Organization. The NHSBH Board and Staff presented Joy with a plaque of appreciation and gift as thanks for all of her hard work and leadership over the last 15 years.

Neighborhood Housing Services recognized funders who have contributed to their Campaign for Neighborhoods on a “Wall of Giving.” Special recognition from the podium was given to those who contributed $350 or more. They include: Black Hills Federal Credit Union, Black Hills Power, City of Edgemont, Deadwood Dental & Eye Care, Deadwood Gaming Association, Edgemont Area Chamber of Commerce, First Western Banks, Eric & Trayce Fowler, Historic Bullock Properties, Merlin Larsen, Lawrence Title Company, Midnight Star, State Farm Insurance, TDG Communications, James & Lillian Shea Trust, , Pearle Trohkimoinen & Marie Kaufman Family, Twin City Hardware, Wall Badlands Area Chamber of Commerce, Wells Fargo Banks, West River Electric, Wright Construction.

Neighborhood Housing Services also took time to recognize their “Program Sponsors.” Neighborhood Housing Services’ many programs are supported by: Adams Mastrovich Family Foundation, City of Deadwood, City of Edgemont, City of Lead, City of Spearfish, City of Sturgis, Deadwood Historic Preservation, Community Development Financial Institution, Elks Lodge #508, Fannie Mae, Federal Home Loan Bank, H.E.R.O., HUD, Kiwanis, NeighborWorks America, South Dakota Housing Development Authority, Town of Central City, United Way of the Black Hills, United Way of Sturgis and USDA Rural Development.

This year Neighborhood Housing Services took time to recognize outstanding volunteers in Central City, Deadwood, and Lead. This year’s recipients were selected by the local Neighborhood Councils. Awardees for Volunteer of the Year were: Central City-Carl & Dixie Pengra; Deadwood-Linda Blair; Lead-Tom Adams, Edgemont-Jim Turner, and Wall-Tawney Clark. A special 15 year award was presented to Mike Guilbert for all of his time dedicated to Neighborhood Housing Services, the Presidential Neighborhood Block Club and the Deadwood Neighborhood Council.

Since 1992, Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) has been working to revitalize neighborhoods throughout the Northern Black Hills by ensuring that safe, affordable, quality housing is available for low and moderate-income families and individuals. Through partnerships, NHS is able to offer “down payment and closing cost” assistance for individuals and families to purchase the home of their dreams. NHS also offers a Revolving Loan Fund for the renovation and rehabilitation of homes for low and moderate-income residents; credit education through Living Within My Means and the Hills Apartment Complex provides decent, safe, and affordable housing for many families.

Since 1998, NHS has assisted over 617 families with the dream of homeownership throughout western South Dakota. NHS’ “Campaign for Homeownership” provides quality education along the path to homeownership. Neighborhood Housing Services has graduated over 960 participants in “Homebuyers Education Classes,” which educate the new homebuyer on available financing options, budgeting, saving for maintenance, home insurance, and the importance of home inspections, appraisals and the role of realtors. Neighborhood Housing Services also provides free Foreclosure Prevention Counseling to homeowners in need.