The Tenant Education and Self-Sufficiency (TESS) Program was created in 2004, under Mayor Dave Munson's leadership. It is a comprehensive program targeted to assist incomeeligible families with children whose unfavorable rental experiences have put them at risk of becoming homeless.
The program was made possible by a collaborative effort of many community leaders representing public, private, and nonprofit organizations. The TESS Program combines education and individualized case management to its clients and incentives to landlords to help families looking for rental housing acquire and keep decent housing.
There are two types of rental assistance available through the TESS Program.
- The Damage Repair Guarantee Fund allows the landlord to request reimbursement ($2,000 maximum) from the Fund to repair the property in the event that a TESS Program participant damages the property of an eligible landlord.
- The Rent Guarantee Fund allows the landlord to request reimbursement (one month's rent maximum) from the Fund in the event that a TESS Program participant defaults on rent and the eviction process has started.
Having access to these Funds serves as a safety net for property owners.
For More Information Contact:
Summer Linke
Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership
505 N. Western Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 334-2808, Ext 222
slinke@interlakescap.com
