South Dakota Housing Announces Tom Kleve as Elmer D. Whitepipe Award of Excellence Recipient

Tom Kleve and Director of Rental Housing Management Tasha Jones

South Dakota Housing’s annual housing conference included the recognition of an individual for his commitment to affordable rental housing in South Dakota. Tom Kleve, founder of Kleve Real Estate, received the award at SDH’s award luncheon the end of June.

Kleve was honored for his outstanding dedication and commitment to affordable rental housing in South Dakota. He has been a dedicated developer and manager of elderly projects in South Dakota since 2005. He was chosen for the exceptional job he does at maintaining the highest standards at his properties, while offering some of the most reasonable senior rents in Sioux Falls. The properties he owns are meticulous, fostering a community where residents are happy and actively engaged.

“It is an honor to work with owners, such as Tom Kleve,” said Director of Rental Housing Management Tasha Jones. “Tom’s unwavering commitment and leadership, as both owner and property manager, foster a community where residents are happy, properties are kept at the highest standard and his site staff are top-notch.”

Each year, South Dakota Housing recognizes individuals and/or companies who are instrumental in providing affordable rental housing in the asset management or compliance industry in South Dakota and who exemplify the thoughtful, caring and friendly character of the award’s namesake. Annually, South Dakota Housing accepts nominations for the award and announces the recipient at the annual housing conference.

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About the Elmer D. Whitepipe Award of Excellence

Elmer D. Whitepipe (Buzz, as he was commonly known) helped formulate the South Dakota Housing Development Authority in 1973 and served on its initial Board of Commissioners from 1974 through 1976. He became a Housing Management Specialist on the South Dakota Housing staff in December of 1976 and was instrumental in the creation of the rental housing division at South Dakota Housing where he worked for 29 years. Throughout those years, Elmer had a remarkable impact on the housing industry in South Dakota. South Dakota Housing feels it is important to recognize those who go above and beyond the call of duty, who exemplify an extraordinary work ethic, care deeply about the people served, or who live day in and day out as everyday heroes so that South Dakota Housing can carry on with the legacy that Elmer left behind.

About South Dakota Housing

South Dakota Housing was created by the South Dakota Legislature in 1973 with a stated mission to provide opportunities for quality, affordable housing for South Dakotans. South Dakota Housing is a self-supporting, nonprofit entity known for our commitment for providing innovative financing solutions to create and preserve affordable housing. South Dakota Housing utilizes housing bonds, tax credits, and other federal and state resources to fund housing programs which provide mortgage and downpayment assistance, housing construction and rehabilitation, homelessness prevention, rental assistance, and educational opportunities.

For more information:

Tasha Jones, Director of Rental Housing Management, SD Housing, 605.773.3182

Chas Olson, Executive Director, SD Housing, 605.773.3181