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(Left) Mayor Wayne Dunham dedicates the Jay Senior Housing Development with the official ribbon cutting ceremony as Dennis Shockley, OHFA executive director; Kim Shea, Jay Senior Housing Manager; Jean Cowan, Meal Site Manager, D.O.C.S. Meal Services; Dunham Carl look on.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation (HACN) conducted a dedication ceremony for the Jay Senior Housing Tax Credit Development, at 2 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2002. The public senior housing development, a 40 congregate unit, is located north of the Sam Hider Community Health Clinic, at 1301 West Washbourne, in Jay.

The Jay Senior Housing is an equal opportunity housing development, therefore, Indian preference does not apply.

The Mayor of Jay, Wayne Dunham, began the program with the official welcome. Dunham also serves as a commissioner of the board for the Housing Authority. Pastor Larry Kingfisher gave the opening prayer. HACN Planner, Ron Froman, provided the introductions of the dignitaries. District 5 Tribal Council Member Barbara Starr-Scott gave opening remarks.

Also speaking were Dennis Shockley, Executive Director for the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, Wayne Sims, Administrator for the HUD Southern Plains Office for Native American Programs, and Chris Smith, President for the BancFirst Jenks Branch.

"I am glad to see the Housing Authority and Cherokee Nation dedicate their efforts to provide better housing, not only for our elderly, but for all Cherokees," said Scott.

According to Scott, on behalf of Principal Chief Chad Smith, in his absence, this is a celebration of partnership, a celebration of community, and a celebration of our elders. This development is an outward sign of our dedication to helping our parents and grandparents.

"This is the first tax credit that we have ever done in the state of Oklahoma with and Indian Nation," said Dennis Shockley, Executive Director for Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA).

According to Shockley, the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, a state agency distributes tax credits governed by the United States IRS Code and since the inception of the Tax Credit Program in 1987, Oklahoma currently has approximately 300 developments totaling over 19,000 units.

"I am glad to see the Housing Authority take the initiative to expand NAHASDA funding to provide additional housing opportunities," said Wayne Sims, Administrator, HUD SPONAP.

"The HACN is setting a standard, a high standard for the other Tribes," said Sims.

"This project took creativity, knowledge and experience by multiple leveraging to build this development that otherwise could not have been done, I am honored to help build housing for the elderly," said Chris Smith, president BancFirst.

"I think this project is a wonderful opportunity and I am so pleased that Jay is the first to receive this type of elderly housing. This would not have been possible without the Housing Authority, Cherokee Nation and the City of Jay all working together," stated Barbara Starr-Scott.

Eligibility requirements include applicant must qualify within income limits and be 62 or older. These units are open to the public. Rents will range from $275-$300 per unit. All units are handicapped equipped.

"The rents for all eligible elderly Cherokees will be assisted through the HACN's Rental Assistance Program," said Ron Qualls.

Examples of rent for Native Americans who qualify for the HACN Rental Assistance Program include:

Adjusted Monthly Income $500
Approximate Rent $0.00

Adjusted Monthly Income $600
Approximate Rent $11.00

Adjusted Monthly Income $700
Approximate Rent $26.00

Adjusted Monthly Income $800
Approximate Rent $41.00

Adjusted Monthly Income $900
Approximate Rent $56.00

Adjusted Monthly Income $1,000
Approximate Rent$71.00

For more information or to apply contact the Jay Senior Housing, ask for Kim Shea, manager, at 1301 West Washbourne, located in Jay or by calling 918-253-8100.