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STILWELL, OK - The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation (HACN) is proud to announce the groundbreaking for the Stilwell Senior Housing scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 12, to be held at the project construction site located at 400 North 8th Street, in Stilwell. In case of inclement weather the program will be held at the Pentecostal Holiness Church in the FAC Building located at 102 North 6th Street.

"The Stilwell Senior Housing Limited Partnership was established to apply for alternative financing to construct a 40 unit apartment complex for both the non-Indian and Native American elderly", said Ron Qualls, HACN executive director.

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

"These tax credits will allow us to bring $2,005,217 of private monies into this $3.139 million development", said Qualls.

"This is the second successful application for the Housing Authority through the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency and I commend our Housing Authority for their concern and work for our elderly Cherokees", said Principal Chief Chad Smith, Cherokee Nation. “We are able to provide more housing services to the Cherokee people because of this innovative financing plan."

"The project will be a construction consisting of a 40 unit elderly apartment complex, projected for completion in the spring 2003", said Ron Qualls, HACN executive director.

"I am happy to be a part of the efforts along with the Housing Authority and Cherokee Nation to bring affordable housing to the elderly in our city", said Mayor Marilyn Hill Russell, of Stilwell. "The elderly are an important segment of our community. We along with Cherokee Nation realize that, and have brought this idea to reality."

"I am excited that we are able to bring such a project to Stilwell and Adair County, this is good news", said Jackie Bob Martin, council member, Cherokee Nation District 2. "I assisted in acquiring the property for the project and look forward to the construction phase, this project is very helpful for Stilwell."

"I am thankful we were able to get a wonderful project like this for Adair County to help our elderly", said Harold 'Jiggs' Phillips, council member, Cherokee Nation District 2. "I appreciate the hard work the Housing Authority staff has put forth and allowing their efforts to payoff."

Eligibility requirements include applicant must qualify within income limits and be 62 or older. These units are open to the public.

All units will be handicapped equipped. Meal services will be provided through the Stilwell Elderly Nutrition, transportation will be provided by the Housing Authority and health screenings provided by the Wilma P. Mankiller Health Clinic.

"On behalf of the HACN Board of Commissioners, I am glad the Housing Authority is actively seeking alternative opportunities for housing, especially for the elderly at no additional costs to the Housing Authority", said Alyene Hogner, chairman, HACN Board of Commissioners.

According to Qualls, the rents can be subsidized by the Housing Authority and rents for non-Indians can be subsidized by the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency.

"This is a great example of a private/public partnership for housing", said Qualls.

For more information or to apply contact, Sooner Management ask for Bonnie Cox or Mary Nanson, phone: 918-485-8885 or the HACN Area 2 Office located at 160 Alyene Drive, or call 918-696-2055.