South Dakota Housing Awards Joe Barb with the Friend of Housing Award

Executive Director Chas Olson and Joe Barb

South Dakota Housing presented its “Friend of Housing” Award to Joe Barb at the annual statewide housing conference the end of June. South Dakota Housing presents the award annually to an individual who has made a commitment to affordable housing in South Dakota through their contributions, achievements and vision.

Following a chance encounter with a houseless youth, Barb became determined to make a difference and pledged to facilitate access for youth to vital assistance and essential resources. That pledge became the establishment of the nonprofit Family Connections Center where Barb serves as the founder, president, and executive director. The Family Connections Center serves youth and young adults, and helps them to overcome obstacles by providing housing, supportive counseling, community education, and advocacy.

In addition to serving the Family Connections Center, Barb serves as a mentor for the Youth Action Board, he is the vice chair of the Policy and Advisory Committee for the Continuum of Care, he serves as the strategic leadership committee chair for the Black Hills Coalition for Housing Stability, and he is the chair for youth engagement in the Communities That Care initiative. Additionally, he is the president of The Rapid City Kiwanis Club and volunteers for the West River HIV Health Network.

“Joe has done an outstanding job breaking down barriers to housing and services for homeless youth and young adults in South Dakota” said Executive Director Chas Olson. “His passion and dedication to the mission have helped make significant progress in a relatively short period of time.”

The Friend of Housing Award was started 24 years ago to recognize individuals and/or companies who are instrumental in providing affordable housing in South Dakota. Annually, South Dakota Housing accepts nominations for the award and announces the recipient at their annual housing conference.

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About the Friend of Housing Award

The Friend of Housing award is given to an individual who has made an outstanding commitment to affordable housing in South Dakota through their tireless contributions, achievements and vision. It is given to those who have made affordable housing a large part of their life.

About South Dakota Housing

South Dakota Housing Development Authority 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:

Chas Olson, Executive Director, SD Housing, 605.773.3181