Lack of Base Housing

Published Sept. 13, 2012

Ellsworth AFB, SD -- The Commander's Action Line is a forum for the Ellsworth community to make suggestions or voice concerns about Ellsworth directly to Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander.

QUESTION

Sir,

Ever since I have been at Ellsworth the housing situation has been chaotic. I don't understand why there isn't base housing for families with only one child. If I look to rent off base the rates are generally higher than my BAH and often times the living conditions of the homes in the area are not acceptable. What could be the solution to this problem and is it likely that it will be fixed in the near future?

Col. Mark
Weatherington

RESPONSE

I understand your frustration. New home construction for Ellsworth was supposed to be complete prior to the leases expiring in Centennial and Dakota Ridge. However, housing privatization for Ellsworth and 5 other bases was stalled for several years due to congressional action. As a result, we have been left with an insufficient and unbalanced housing inventory, making it difficult for applicants in certain categories to get placed in base housing. According to the AFI, junior Enlisted members do not automatically qualify for a 3 bedroom home if they have only one child; those members can compete for a 3 bedroom home only when excess 3 bedrooms are available.

Unfortunately, we currently have a waiting list for 3 bedroom homes on Ellsworth, with no 2 bedroom units in our inventory. Thus, members who fall into this category receive BAH. The BAH allowance is adjusted each year by an outside reviewing agency - based on suitable housing within a certain radius of the installation (there are a lot of details on how BAH is determined, such as excluding inadequate neighborhoods within the radius--the key points are the base does not determine BAH, and BAH is an allowance, not a guarantee to cover all costs associated with your housing choice).

I will ask the support group to work with ACC and HAF to better match our inventory with all categories of applicants in the future. Additionally, once the housing privatization effort for Ellsworth is approved, we will see another 214 houses built to better accommodate the needs of our Airmen and their families. Thanks for your question, and please contact the housing office if you need further assistance.