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Pictured above are several members of the HAPI Board of Directors, Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce Diplomats and Aberdeen City Officials. (Barb Grosz, 8th from right, from the mission development office represents the Presentation Sisters and serves as secretary on the HAPI board of directors).
In 1999 Sister Janice Klein, Aberdeen banker Rod Fouberg and then Aberdeen Housing Authority Housing Manager Juletta Smith worked together with a group of Aberdeen citizens who realized there was a need for regional housing assistance. From those working sessions, Homes Are Possible was established. Homes Are Possible, Inc. (HAPI) is a non-profit group of concerned citizens who are committed to empowering individuals, stabilizing families, and revitalizing neighborhoods through a variety of economic and social initiatives. The purpose is to facilitate very low, low and moderate-income persons and families in securing and/or refurbishing good quality affordable housing.
Since its founding in 1999, HAPI has helped hundreds of families and developed over 400 homes in northeast South Dakota. HAPI services 20 South Dakota counties. Homes are Possible also offers $5,000 rehab grants for home improvements. “The whole program is designed to do some minor things to their house so they can continue to live there,” Pat Mertens an inspector for HAPI said. The grant program is aimed at making improvements that will extend the life of the home.
Another popular program is the Housing Opportunity Fund. This $3,500 forgivable grant is to be used for down payment/closing cost assistance. Attendance to Homebuyer Education classes is a requirement to be eligible for that money.
In the summer of 2018, HAPI acquired 57 acres in northeast Aberdeen and began dirt work in October. This area, known as HAPI 1st North Subdivision will provide lots for 160-165 new homes. HAPI is able to use TIFs, Tax Increment Financing districts, which allow them to use anticipated property tax revenue for the installation of public infrastructure like roads and utility lines.
On December 4, 2018 they had the groundbreaking of their new subdivision in NE Aberdeen.
Over the years, the Presentation Sisters have been instrumental in helping HAPI become a leader in providing affordable housing in Aberdeen and northeastern South Dakota.
In honor of this 20-year partnership and the 300thanniversary of Nano’s birth, the HAPI Board of Directors made the decision to name a street after our Foundress. NANO NAGLE AVE NE will be one of the two main streets in this new sub-division.