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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.

New homeowners include Lonnie Birdtail of Mayes County, the Velasquez family of Delaware County and the Holly Turner family of Rogers County.

Tribal Council Member Johnny Keener congratulated Birdtail on his new home. "It's good to see housing programs progressing for tribal members", Keener said. Keener also thanked the HACN for providing homeownership opportunities in Mayes County.

"I'm happy to be able to buy a home", Birdtail said.

"I'm glad to be a part of tribal members receiving a home", said Mary Ellen Morris, the housing manager for the Housing Authority in Mayes and Craig counties. "I look forward in assisting more families receive housing."

The Velasquez Family was a recipient of the Welcome Home gift presentation in Delaware County.

"I'm thankful to become a homeowner", said Stacey Velasquez. "My family and I are very excited."

"You can see that housing programs are on the move", said Melvina Shotpouch, Cherokee Nation Tribal Council Member. "The waiting lists have been reduced and results are being seen."

"I feel that decentralizing offices has reduced wait time to receive housing assistance", said Shirley Blackfox, the housing manager for Delaware and Ottawa counties. “Decentralizing will also enable HACN staff to assist applicants and residents better. We are learning all aspects of our programs and will be more accessible to tribal members."

The Holly Turner family was a recipient of the Welcome Home gift presentation in Rogers County.

"It's a great program", said Holly Turner. "I feel very lucky to receive this home."

"It's great to see tribal members move into new homes and fulfill a dream for their family", said Gary Ketcher, housing manager for Rogers and Nowata Counties.

For more information or to apply for housing assistance in Rogers or Nowata Counties, contact the Area 6 Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation, phone: 918-342-2433. In Mayes or Craig counties, contact the Area 5 office of the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation, phone: 918-479-5128. In Delaware or Ottawa Counties, contact the Area 4 Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation, phone: 918-253-8315.