NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact
Scott Engmann, Executive Director
605-348-9196
sc***@***************at.org
FHLB Des Moines Contact
Rachel Wegmann, Public Relations Manager
515.412.2357
RW******@****dm.com
Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity receives $87,500 grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and Black Hills Federal Credit Union through the Member Impact Fund
Grant program supports affordable housing and community development initiatives
RAPID CITY, SD (May 19, 2026)– Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce that Black Hills Federal Credit Union and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) have awarded them a $87,500 grant from the Member Impact Fund. This matching grant program will result in FHLB Des Moines awarding over $12.9 million in funding to support affordable housing and community development in Alaska, South Dakota, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
“I am so grateful to Black Hills Federal Credit Union and to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines for this generous gift,” said Scott Engmann, Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity’s executive director. “We share a commitment to making a tremendous impact on the lives of homeowners. This work affects health, environmental and educational outcomes; civic and social engagement; the financial stability of Habitat families; and helps to build local economies.”
In South Dakota, the income needed to purchase a median-priced home is $115,000. These are unattainable home prices for hard working citizens in the Black Hills. This grant will be used to support Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity’s vision that everyone deserves a decent place to live. Founded in 1990, Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity has served over 715 people through affordable homeownership and home repair. The grant will help support the program of providing financing and building of affordable single-family homes, townhomes, and home repair for qualifying families.
“As a Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity Board Member, I have the privilege of
witnessing the passion this organization brings to addressing the affordable housing
need in our community,” said Holli Edwards, VP Marketing at BHFCU. “Their impact
goes beyond providing just a home. Partner families invest time into their homes and are
given the opportunity to build equity and a solid future for their families.”
FHLB Des Moines provides funding solutions to more than 1,200 members to support mortgage lending, economic development and affordable housing in the communities they serve. The Member Impact Fund provides FHLB Des Moines members matching grant donations to strengthen the ability of not-for-profits or government entities to support the needs of their communities.
“The Member Impact Fund is designed to help our members champion organizations like, Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity, that make a real difference in their communities,” said Kris Williams, president and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. “By partnering with our members, we’re able to multiply resources and support their vital work as they continue to strengthen opportunities for the people they serve.”
Recipient organizations were selected based on the needs for grant funding to support capacity-building or working capital necessary to strengthen their ability to serve affordable housing or community development needs including job training, affordable housing, financial literacy, food banks and youth programs.
Since its launch in 2023, the Member Impact Fund has provided more than $83 million in grants from FHLB Des Moines, generating over $113 million in combined support for affordable housing and community development. Notably, every eligible application submitted to the program has received funding—reflecting the organization’s strong commitment to partnership and impact.
About Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. We work together with over 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement.
FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.
About Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity
A nonprofit Christian housing organization dedicated to creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live, Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity brings together people with resources and financing to build and repair simple, decent, affordable homes. Black Hills Area Habitat has served over 423 families locally and globally since 1990. Black Hills Area Habitat ReStore locations in Rapid City and Spearfish help raise funds through items donated and sold. For more information, visit www.blackhillshabitat.org or call 605-348-9196.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand-up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.