Rosebud Reservation Considers Working with Habitat for Humanity

The

Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota is considering affiliation with

Habitat for Humanity to develop affordable housing on the reservation. The problem, according to Marty Kooistra of Habitat, is that while a typical Habitat house ends up costing $41,000 to $45,000, the realistic cost ceiling on the Rosebud Reservation is about $20,000. The Rosebud Reservation and Habitat are trying to determine whether a $20,000 home is a possibility. Building materials available on the Reservation include timbers (dimension lumber with enough notice), baled straw, and soil for rammed earth. Maximum size for Habitat houses ranges from 900 square feet (85 m²) for a two-bedroom house to 1,150 square feet (110 m²) for a four-bedroom house. Designers or builders with ideas for this project may contact Lynn Marsh, a VISTA Volunteer at the Reservation, 605/856-2665, or Marty Kooistra, senior affiliate support manager with Habitat in South Dakota, 605/339-2245.