Possibilities Come with a New Location

Spurred on by new growth at United Way, the office in Aberdeen is moving to a new location! At the beginning of summer 2023, the United Way office will be located at 123 S. 2nd Street. This will be a shared space with the building owner, Home Are Possible, Inc. (HAPI). 

Homes Are Possible, Inc. is best known for the development of housing development areas on the southwest and north side of Aberdeen. 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 low- and moderate-income persons and families in securing and/or refurbishing good quality affordable housing. HAPI currently operates in Beadle, Brown, Campbell, Clark, Codington, Day, Edmunds, Faulk, Grant, Hand, Marshall, McPherson, Potter, Roberts, Spink, and Walworth Counties in northeast and north central South Dakota.

Did you know that HAPI is its own Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides home buyer education, and has grants available for home repair? The goal of the grant is to keep people in their homes for five years or longer. Funding is available for things such as shingles, siding, windows, HVAC systems, and ADA accessibility. Income guidelines and owner occupancy requirements must be met. 

“The grants are essentially loans that are forgiven at a 20% rate per year. If the homeowner lives in the house, the loan is forgiven after five years,” said Darin Beckius. In 2022, close to half-a-million dollars in home repairs came about through the HAPI home grant program.

“I see both of our organizations benefiting by being housed in the same building,” said Aaron Schultz, Director of the United Way. “We have aligning missions and at the end of the day we are attempting to improve the lives of people in Northeastern SD.” 

“When looking for potential building mates, United Way seemed to make the most sense. I look forward to the creative partnerships that will come from our organizations being together,” said Darin. //

HAPI began their occupancy in early February while United Way will move in by May 2023. For more information about HAPI or the United Way, please visit www.homearepossible.org or www.uwnesd.org.