This program is helping people buy homes and find stable housing

Megan Raposa -

Simplified: A new pilot program aims to help educate folks about their rights as tenants, the ins and outs of renting, and even potential paths to homeownership. It's all thanks to the work of Sioux Falls Thrive's Housing Action Team.

Why it matters

  • It's no surprise that stable housing makes a big difference in a person's overall physical and mental health. There's also a tremendous impact on school-aged children.
    • About 88% of kids in stable housing graduate high school, compared to 68% of kids without stable housing, according to stats provided by Kenley Lamberty, government affairs director with the Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire.
  • The rate of first-time homebuyers is at an all-time low nationally, with first-timers making up only 24% of buyers. The average age of these buyers is 36, a significant increase from age 28 pre-pandemic.
  • Homeownership also plays a huge role in creating generational wealth, Lamberty said, noting that homeowners on average have a net worth of more than $400,000, compared to about $10,000 for renters.
"You can pass that down, and now you’re giving everyone else in your family a head start," Lamberty said.

Tell me more about the class

Thrive is initially testing these free community housing courses this month in the neighborhood of Terry Redlin Elementary. The classes also provide childcare for parents and a meal in an effort to overcome barriers that might keep folks from showing up.

The class has two tracks: homeownership and rental education. Everyone who completes all seven classes will receive a Homeownership Education Resource Organization (HERO) Certificate of Completion, which can be used to qualify for lower home loan rates or prove responsibility to landlords.

Course topics include:

  • tips for selecting an apartment,
  • tenant rights,
  • how to apply for rental housing,
  • money management,
  • credit history review,
  • financing and the loan process,
  • and predatory lending.

What happens next?

The pilot project continues throughout the month of November, and the hope is to eventually scale it to host the classes more frequently across town, said Michelle Erpenbach, president of Sioux Falls Thrive.

"The ongoing goal is that this project will happen in every Title 1 school at least once a year moving forward," Erpenbach said.

Learn more here about Thrive's work with affordable housing.