Sioux Falls, SD – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD), Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, announced today that the Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership (ICAP) will receive $353,997 to help low-income homeowners rehabilitate their existing homes. The Self-Help Housing Grant will be used to rehabilitate 34 homes in East Central South Dakota over a two year period.

“This funding will make a real difference for South Dakota families who are ready to put in some ‘sweat equity’ and rehabilitate their own homes,” said Chairman Johnson.  “ICAP’s philosophy is to provide ‘a hand up, not a hand out’ and that is exactly what this program does. This grant will enable ICAP to give homeowners the resources and training they need to improve their homes and build a better future for their families.”

ICAP serves 14 counties in East Central South Dakota. Eligible homeowners work with ICAP staff to identify their specific needs and create a work plan. Then ICAP provides hands-on instruction and assistance to the homeowners, so that they can provide all or part of the labor required.

The USDA Self-Help grant funds can be used by ICAP to hire personnel to assist participating families; cover office and administrative expenses purchase or rent equipment such as power tools for use by families participating in self-help housing construction; and pay fees for training self-help group members in construction techniques or for other professional services needed.

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