Airmen inbound for Ellsworth encouraged to plan ahead for housing

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. — Airmen inbound for Ellsworth are being encouraged to plan ahead for housing as soon as they get their orders.

The Ellsworth Housing Office says its 500 homes on base are at 96% occupancy at all times.

Still, the early application may only get the airman on the waiting list – and that could last for up to a year.

With a high demand for housing off-base in surrounding communities, inbound airmen are also encouraged to explore options – such as extended hotel stays or monthly rentals for lodging.

Another hurdle for the inbound airmen – the Black Hills tourism season – and the upcoming Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

“We are stressing…If you know you’re coming at that time period, and we’ve been stressing it a long time ago, get your hotel reservations now,” said Laura Frink, EAFB Housing Program Manager. “See if they can’t work out some kind of discount for the military. Tell them you’re going to need a long term stay, see if they can cut you a discount for your military rates.”

To help the incoming airmen during their time on the waiting list, a housing and utility allowance is offered based on duty location, pay grade, and dependency status.

The Ellsworth Housing Office is also working with the Black Hills Family Military Coalition to get more affordable town houses and apartment complexes built for military families.