BrookingsHabitat

(Brookings, SD, March 2, 2022) – South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson recently visited Brookings to learn more about the housing crisis and Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity’s response.

In search of possible local solutions to the national crisis, Johnson toured some of the properties Habitat has worked on over the last 27 years.

“There’s much work to be done,” Habitat Executive Director Dan McColley said. “After being part of the housing crisis discussions in Washington, D.C., it was great that Representative Johnson followed through to learn more about local housing issues with his visit.”

McColley gave Johnson a driving tour of Brookings, including highlights of various Habitat homes, other developments, and growth of the area while discussing the growing need for affordable housing.

“We know the legislature often has proposals or discussions regarding housing,” said McColley. “We’re grateful to be able to bring our nearly three decades of experience to the conversation.”

Johnson was joined by BAHFH’s Board President, Kay Norton, BAHFH’s Resource Development Director Randy Grimsley and Hannah Kagey from Johnson’s staff. Since its inception in 1995, Brookings Habitat has helped build safe and affordable homes in Brookings, Aurora, Volga, and Madison for qualified candidates. They are currently working to build their 81st home in the area.

The Helpline Center congratulates Randie Lund on being named the December 2021 Volunteer of the Month, an area-wide award program sponsored by the Helpline Center and First Bank & Trust.
Randie started volunteering with Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity in the summer of 2019. He is a member of Habitat’s Foundation Crew and works diligently throughout the year alongside a great group of hardworking volunteers. This group works year-round at various construction sites, and takes part in every stage of a home-build from framing to flooring.
Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity relies on this crew to keep the homes progressing throughout the year, and couldn’t do what they do without them.
As part of Habitat’s Foundation Crew, Randie works every Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, year-round. In total, Randie has accumulated 365 hours of volunteer work in the past year!
Staff with Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity said, “not only does Randie come volunteer on a weekly basis, he is willing to go above and beyond. By taking small projects home, fixing them in his shop, and bringing them back, it’s just what we need. We appreciate all he does for Habitat!”
Congratulations, Randie, on being our much-deserved December Volunteer of the Month!
For information on volunteer opportunities or the Volunteer of the Month program, please
contact Allison Schmitt at bkvol@helplinecenter.org or call 211 for more information.

L to R: Dan McColley, Executive Director and Lead Mission Officer at BAHFH; Jason Hett, Construction Superintendent at BAHFH; Stephanie Svennes, Executive Assistant at First Bank and Trust; Randie Lund, Volunteer of the Month; Ope Niemeyer, City of Brookings Mayor; Jake McGlade, Volunteer Coordinator at BAHFH