WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL HOUSE?
The International House is the home at the heart of Rapid City’s international student ministry. It’s grand central station for all weekly activities, like meals, small groups, coffee house, holidays, game nights, and fellowship. It’s the place students call their home away from home. It may be just a building, but to someone far from home, this is where they find a connection and a large, diverse family to call their own. It’s where they belong and feel loved.
The International House first opened its doors to students in 1999. Since its opening the International House has welcomed more than 3,500 students from more than 110 different countries. By supporting us, you can help the International House continue providing a place that helps someone far from home find a connection and a sense of community.
WHAT DOES INTERNATIONAL HOUSE INC DO?
The International House has been owned by Kevin and Heather Fannin since 1999. It was built specifically to be a home away from home for international students. Shortly after opening its doors, it became obvious that welcoming students into a home helped them feel genuinely loved, it gave them a place to belong. Students are at ease in a home-setting and are free to fellowship with one another.
The vision for our new non-profit, International House Inc, is to purchase the home so it will be a permanent site for international student ministry. Although Kevin and Heather have no plans to leave, by bringing the house under the ownership of a non-profit board, we will ensure that this unique place will continue in ministry no matter what the future may hold. The International House will continue to coordinate with the local international student ministry in future years.
The International House’s current fundraising goal is $250,000. This total includes purchasing the home at its appraised fair market value and additional first year operational costs including closing fees, insurance, fundraising expenses, IRS filing fees, and home repairs/upgrades.
Will you consider generously supporting the International House financially?
TESTIMONIALS
We believe giving international student ministry a home-like setting has a greater impact on students that just meeting in a campus hall. See what alumni have to say about their time at International House.
“The type of love and the support I got here, after coming here for the first time…it was totally unexpected.”
“This is like my home here in Rapid City. It’s where there is hope.”
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/dOGDANoytvo” frameborder=”0″ gesture=”media” allow=”encrypted-media” allowfullscreen></iframe>
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE INC HISTORY, VISION, & BOARD MEMBERS
In 2016, International House Inc was chartered as a not-for- profit South Dakota corporation and was designated as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable organization by the Internal Revenue Service. As a result, your donations to International House Inc are 100% tax-deductible as charitable gifts.
The immediate vision of International House Inc is to purchase the Fannins’ home near campus so it will be a permanent site for local international student ministry. Future building repairs and upgrades for the house will be provided through donations to International House. The long-term vision of International House Inc board is to provide safe and affordable housing for international students and scholars in the Rapid City area.
International House Inc Board of Directors –
President – Stephen T. O’Rourke, Senior Managing Partner, Strategic Management Partners LLC
Vice President – Dr. Jeevan Meruga, Director of Research, NP Systems Integration, LLC (ISI Alumnus)
Treasurer – Mary Kenner, Retired environmental consultant
Secretary –Sony Popuri, Shipping and Receiving Manager, B9 Creations, LLC (ISI Alumnus)
Dr. Scott J Kenner, Professor and Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Marcia Taylor, RN MSN Clinical Coach and Facilitator, Regional Health
Katie Howard, Director of Stewardship, SDSM&T Foundation
GET INVOLVED
There are lots of ways to be involved with the International House. We’d love to have you serve alongside us!
- Use your professional skills. We are currently seeking general contractors and maintenance professionals.
- Participate in a work day. Check our calendar for seasonal clean up and work days to keep the House in good shape.
- Raise awareness or fundraise. Tell your social circle about the important work being done at the International House.
- Social Media. We are currently seeking a volunteer to help maintain our website and social media accounts.
- Ask us! If you have questions about how you can help at the House or getting involved in international student ministry, contact us here.
