West River South Dakota Housing Success Story
Join us for the latest episode of "The Housing Connection," where Chas Olson talks with Cathy Evans. Cathy is the Executive Director at Lemmon Housing and Redevelopment Commission. This episode dives into Lemmon's journey to becoming a housing success story. Cathy brings 24 years of experience to the table. She discusses how she overcame obstacles, used grants, and repurposed buildings to make a significant impact on Lemmon's housing scene.
Episode Highlights:
Cathy's journey and experience in housing development
Transforming an old beauty shop into a vibrant community space
The strategic approach behind the Governor's House project
The role of housing studies in meeting community needs
Advice for housing authorities on engagement and networking
A sneak peek into Lemmon Housing's future initiatives
Cathy highlights a unique project: turning an old beauty shop into a vibrant, useful space again. This project shows Lemmon Housing's commitment to keeping the town's character while updating its facilities. She also discusses the Governor's house project, showing a strategic approach to expanding Lemmon's housing options.
Cathy stresses the importance of housing studies. These studies ensure that Lemmon's housing projects meet the community's needs. She offers advice to other housing groups in engaging with the community, attending seminars, and making connections. She points out Dakota Resources as a crucial ally in these efforts.
The episode ends with a peek at Lemmon Housing's future plans. These include working with HUD to offer some housing at market rates. Cathy thanks her network and partners for their ongoing support.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify or iTunes. Dive deeper into Cathy Evans' impactful work and Lemmon Housing's innovative solutions to housing challenges in West River.
Episode Mentions:
About Cathy Evans:
Cathy's journey began in 1999 as a secretary. She quickly became a key force in Lemmon's housing initiatives. From securing HUD grants to offering diverse housing options for retirees, Cathy has been crucial in diversifying Lemmon's housing solutions. Her approach includes renovating old homes, selling them, and reinvesting the proceeds into new projects. Cathy's innovative use of Housing Opportunity funds is a prime example of Lemmon Housing's commitment to meeting its community's housing needs in creative ways.
