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(L-R) CNO Council member Don Garvin presents check and cleaning utensils to Floyd Spencer, with HACN Area 3 director Sharon Lay, manager Velva Gifford, and counselor Mona Lisa Varnell looking on.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Several members of the Cherokee Nation recently moved into their own homes with assistance from the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation (HACN). The HACN’s new Welcome Home Program assists new move-in families who receive homeownership assistance by providing a $250 check to help with utility deposits and a bucket with cleaning supplies and cleaning utensils.

This past week, the Robison family in Stilwell, Roger and Janet Baker of Ft. Gibson, Dale and Sheryl Kizzia of Braggs, and Floyd Spencer of Muskogee all received their Welcome Home gifts at their new homes.

"This is a very exciting experience to see the smiles and expressions of gratitude of the new Cherokee homeowners", says District 4 Tribal Council Member Don Garvin, “It’s a great day for the new homeowners, Housing Authority and the Cherokee Nation."

"That check it came in handy for things we needed, and that mortgage buy down program really helped us a lot", said Wynona Robison.

"It (WHP) helped a bunch, and with the Lease Purchase Program there’s no down payment, and for the first three years most of your payment goes to the principle", said Janet Baker. "The contractor worked with us and we were able to modify a few things."

"It's better to own something, than pouring your money into rent", said Sheryl Kizzia.

"My neighbor says they got some awful nice homes out here in the meadows, but you got a house just as nice, and that we done a good job with this lot", Spencer said. "I like it, it’s nice, quiet and peaceful and a good place to walk."

The Welcome Home program is available to participants in the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation’s Mutual Help, Rural Rental, Lease Purchase and Mortgage Buy Down programs. For more information on these programs or to apply for housing assistance call 918-456-8374.