Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation celebrates 20 years

Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation celebrated 20 years on Aug. 16.

The Notice of Incorporation published in 1999 stated the non-profit corporation was organized to provide affordable housing and housing assistance for low to moderate income individuals and families; promote, support and facilitate the creation and retention of jobs, the redevelopment projects and efforts, the appearance of business districts through renovation, development and landscaping, and increased productivity and viability of small businesses. 

Incorporators included Dennis Barkley, Garry Lawyer, Keith Olsen, Doug Beck, Kevin Poppe, Ted Tietjen, Jr., Mike Borowski, Brenda Styskal and George LaValley. 

The first project of SWNCBC was constructing affordable rental housing in Grant, which included three duplexes for a total of six three-bedroom apartments on the west side of town.

In February 2001, then Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns led a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the units.  

The units remain today, and are now 100% owned by SWNCBC. 

Amy Thelander has served as the corporation’s director for 15 years, taking on the role in September 2004. She followed Denny Hansen, Ann Burge, Becky Uehling and original director Dorothy Colson. 

Deb Marshall has served as the program manager since January 2012, and Stephanie Miller began as the administrative assistant in February.  Maynard Hansen helps maintain the rental units. 

SWNCBC serves Perkins, Chase, Hayes, Dundy and Hitchcock Counties. 

Board of Directors include President John Woodmancy, Vice President Tawna Holmstedt, Treasurer Andrea Brueggeman, Secretary Peggy McDonald, Megan Spargo, Wendy McKain, Bart Monnahan, Landen Lawless and Melisa Owens.

Thelander said that to date, the corporation has been awarded over 40 housing grants for all five communities, investing over $4.5 million in southwest Nebraska. They’ve rehabilitated 206 homes and assisted 88 first-time homebuyers. 

Thelander said they receive  funding from state funds, federal funds, USDA, Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, as well as local funding from businesses and organizations. They also partner with Community Action Partnership and several other organizations. 

SWNCBC recently finished a down payment assistance program, helping 13 people buy homes, 11 of which were in Perkins County. Because of the success, they applied for more downpayment assistance funding and were just awarded another $255,000. Thelander said they are looking at getting that started in January. 

They are currently working on rehabilitating over 30 homes in their service area. 

The corporation also offers homebuyers education and foreclosure counseling. 

To learn more about what Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation has to offer, call 308-352-4338 or visit 115 West 3rd Street in Grant.

The non-profit was featured as the Perkins County Chamber Business Spotlight of the Month in honor of their anniversary and accomplishments. 

SWNCBC will be hosting an After 5 to celebrate 20 years on Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 4:30-7 p.m.