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Ron Qualls, HACN executive director, presents Steve, Stephanie and Zachary Hair with a Welcome Home check, while Hominy Littledave hands the keys to their new home and Janice Laws holds the gift of cleaning supplies.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation (HACN) is announcing a Welcome Home Program throughout the 14-county jurisdictional area of the Cherokee Nation. The program will assist families who are moving into their new homes by providing them with a $250 check to help with utility deposits, and a bucket with cleaning supplies and cleaning utensils.

The Welcome Home program provides some practical assistance to the families at move-in time. "We welcome the family to their new home, present them with a check for deposits, and a small gift," said Ron Qualls, executive director of HACN.

Beginning April 1, families who receive homeownership assistance through the HACN’s Mutual Help, Rural Rental, Lease Purchase and Mortgage Buy Down programs are eligible for the Welcome Home Program.

"In the Housing Authority’s efforts to help families receive affordable housing, this is just another way we have created to assist families with their housing needs," Qualls said.

The Linda Lear family was the first recipient of the Welcome Home gift presentation. The Housing Authority also presented Welcome Home gifts to three other Cherokee County families: the John Easter family, the Steven and Stephanie Hair family, and the Boyd and Christy Christie family.

"It was nice, I thought it was great," said Lear. "The process took a while, but Janice Laws (HACN Housing Counselor) really helped and advised me well throughout the whole thing. I’m moving in today and spending the night."

"The Welcome Home was nice, unexpected," said Easter. "When Jan (HACN Housing Counselor) told me about it, I thought it was pretty good. With the Lease Purchase Program you can build up equity, add on, remodel, it’s a good deal."

"One thing I like is the house is not just like everyone else’s," said Stephanie Hair. "We had five floor plans to choose from, and got to pick the color of brick, shingles, carpet, formica, paint. I’ve always wanted this kind of formica, and we’re real glad to have a house of our own."

"We like the Lease Purchase Program because it’s such a good deal," said Boyd Christie. "With no interest for three years, we can build up equity. We appreciate the Welcome Home gifts. It took us five years, but people don’t realize if you don’t renew every year, you get bypassed."

For more information or to apply for housing assistance in Cherokee County contact the Area 1 office for the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation, phone: 456-5482 or 456-8374.