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Benefits specialists to be in De Smet and Miller
SOUTH DAKOTA — Benefits specialists from the Department of Social Services’ Division of Economic Assistance will be available Tuesday, Jan. 16, at De Smet from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and in Miller from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Tia Kafka, 605-773-3165.

SDHDA provides funds to engage landlords
PIERRE — South Dakota Housing Development Authority’s (SDHDA) Board of Commissioners approved $400,000 to provide funding for the Sustainable Housing Incentive Program (SHIP) — a collaborative effort of housing and service providers creating opportunity for tenants to gain self-sufficiency.
“It is often difficult to find affordable rental housing, it is even more difficult when you have barriers such as a criminal background, poor credit or no landlord references,” said Executive Director Mark Lauseng. “By providing a financial incentive for landlords and coordinating services, this program can provide sustainable permanent housing for some of our most vulnerable citizens, giving them a second chance to be successful.”

Eligible tenants are those enrolled in self-sufficiency and self-enrichment programs offered by service providers. The tenants are usually considered “high-risk” and are at a disadvantage in housing markets due to criminal records, evictions, poor credit, or frequent homelessness. Landlords, who partner with service providers to give tenants a second chance, can be reimbursed for damages or expenses, should they occur.
Agencies providing social services or coordinating services are eligible to apply for SHIP funding by completing the SHIP application found on SDHDA’s website at www.sdhda.org.
For more information, contact Lorraine Polak at 605.773.3181 or lorraine@sdhda.org.