Housing Incentive Fund Needs More Contributions | Video

Jennifer Joas | 11/17/2012

Finding an affordable place to lay your head at night is next to impossible in western North Dakota. So time is of the essence. The state Housing Finance Agency is trying to help subsidize affordable rental projects, but they need your help to do it.

"There is a dire need for those across the state, mostly in western North Dakota but all over the state. And we got projects that are ready to break ground and start construction," said Executive Director Mike Anderson.

The Housing Finance Agency has 10 additional projects it would like to break ground on before the end of the year. But with only a month and half left until December 31, time is running out to contribute.

"A lot of state taxpayers are just now starting to think about their tax liability for this year. And now is the appropriate time for them to be thinking about, `How do I deal with that?`" said Anderson.

We all pay income taxes. And through the Housing Incentive Fund, you can contribute money and get a dollar for dollar tax credit for 2012. Not only can you direct your money towards a certain region, but you can also select specific projects.

"This is an extremely important program to me, both in terms of creating housing opportunities for people who are homeless but creating housing opportunities for all North Dakotans so that there is less competition for housing units that are available," said Michael Carbone, ND Coalition for Homeless People.

"This is a great way to be able to see your tax dollars put to work specifically in something that you can touch and feel and something that is really tangible," said Carol Cohen, Rural Community Assistance Corporation.

The fund is still $4.4 million short. Any contributions must be made by the end of the year. To make a donation to the fund, log onto www.ndhfa.org.

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