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The newly poured foundation of the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation’s Jay Senior Housing Project.

JAY, OK - The Cherokee Nation Jay Senior Housing project came one step closer to reality when workers poured the foundation for the 40-unit elderly housing facility earlier this week.

The project is funded by the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation (HACN) and the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency through tax credits.

"These tax credits will allow us to bring $1,875,000 of private monies into this $3 million development", said Ron Qualls, HACN executive director. According to Qualls, this is the first time in Oklahoma that an Indian Tribe has accessed this type of program through the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency.

Applicants must be 62 years of age or older and meet certain eligibility requirements, including income limits. Rent for the units will range from $275 -$300 per unit. All units will be handicapped equipped.

According to Qualls, the rents can be subsidized through Section 8 and the rents for all elderly Cherokees will be assisted through the HACN's Rental Assistance Program.

Transportation and meal services will be provided through the Delaware and Ottawa County Services and health screenings provided by the Cherokee Nation Sam Hider Health Clinic.

The Jay Senior Housing completion date is scheduled for July 2002.

The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation (HACN) conducted a groundbreaking ceremony this past September for the Jay Senior Housing Tax Credit Development. The development is being constructed north of the Sam Hider Community Clinic, located at 1015 Washbourne, in Jay.

In May of 2001, the HACN received official notification from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency of an allocation of tax credits for the Jay Senior Housing Limited Partnership, an entity formed by the HACN.

"Interested applicants are encouraged to call either Sooner Management or the Jay Housing Authority Office to be placed on a inquiry list", said Doug Sedberry, Vice President, Sooner Management.

For more information contact the Area 4 Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation office, at 109 13th Street, located in Jay or by calling 253-8315 or contact Bonnie Cox or Mary Nanson with Sooner Management, phone: 918-485-8885.