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(Left) HACN Executive Director Ron Qualls, HACN Insurance Specialist Shirley Copeland, and HACN Administration Director Mary James, pose with the AMERIND Award, which is a piece of
Acoma pottery.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation (HACN) recently received an award from AMERIND Financial Services, Inc. for providing the most insurance services to the most tribal members. The award was presented at the AMERIND Conference, last month.

The HACN began administering the Community Shield Homeowner's Insurance Program in March of 2001. The Community Shield Insurance Program is offered by Amerind Financial Services, Inc. (AFSI); a Native American owned and operated risk pool organization. This program was created to offer groups of homeowner's insurance coverage for homes at an affordable cost.

"We would like to thank Shirley Copeland, and her staff for all their hard work and dedicated service," stated Ron Qualls, "they got the Community Shield Insurance program started at the Housing Authority of the Cherokee

The Community Shield Program offers $80,000 coverage on its basic dwelling and an additional $10,000 coverage on contents. Claims have a deductible of $250. The annual premium is approximately $236 per year for homes and $286 for mobile homes.

"The Housing Authority will pay the lump sum annual premium up front allowing the eligible homeowner to make monthly payments to us," stated Ron Qualls, HACN executive director.

Eligibility requirements include: the family's income must be 80 percent of the National Median Income or below as established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the property must be owner occupied, single family, the primary residence of the homeowner, the homeowner or spouse must be Native American, and the property must be located within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation jurisdiction.

"We want to offer this affordable insurance to every Native American who may qualify for this program," stated David Southerland, HACN deputy director.

To obtain an application or for more information regarding the Community Shield Insurance Program administered by HACN contact Shirley Copeland, phone: 456-5482 or 1-800-837-2869.