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Principal Chief Chad Smith dedicates the Stilwell Senior Housing Development with the official ribbon cutting ceremony. From left to right, Reggy Cox, Mayor of Stilwell; Ron Froman, HACN Planner; Rick Richards, Cherokee Nation Home Health; Chris Smith, President of BancFirst ; John Ketcher, Tribal Council member; Wayne Dunham, Chairman HACN Board of Commissioners; David Southerland, HACN interim executive director; Chad Smith, Jackie Bob Martin, Tribal Council member; Marcella Sams, resident; Georgia Putnam, resident;’ Jim Wilson, State Representative; Toni Nevitt, Manager, Stilwell Senior Housing; Holley Mangham, OHFA communications director; Bill John Baker, Council Member elect District 1; Amy Berg, field representative for Congressman Brad Carson; Wayne Sims, Administrator SPONAP, HUD; and Betty Barker, Stilwell Chamber of Commerce proudly look on.

STILWELL, OKLAHOMA - The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation (HACN) recently conducted a dedication ceremony for the Stilwell Senior Housing Tax Credit Development. This public senior housing development, a 40 congregate unit complex, is located at 400 North Eighth Street, in Stilwell.

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

The Mayor of Stilwell, Reggy Cox, began the program with the official welcome. Cherokee Nation Tribal Council member, Jackie Bob Martin, gave the opening prayer and remarks. HACN Planner, Ron Froman, provided the introductions of the dignitaries, and Principal Chief Chad Smith gave the opening remarks.

Also speaking were Holley Mangham, communication director for the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency; Wayne Sims, administrator for the HUD Southern Plains Office for Native American Programs, and Chris Smith, president of the BancFirst branch in Jenks.

"This is a shining example of what teamwork can accomplish", said Reggy Cox, Mayor of Stilwell. "This meets a need that I have known, in this community for a long time."

"This new development was very innovative and a little bit daring, but anything for our elderly is worth the risk", said Chad Smith, Principal Chief Cherokee Nation.

Marcella Sams, a resident of Stilwell Senior Housing since March, allowed visitors to tour her home. A beautiful family quilt with family photographs drapes the wall of her bedroom. Her children gave it to her for her 50th Wedding Anniversary.

"After touring Mrs.Sams’ apartment and seeing her quilt of family history, that is worth the weeks of work to see our elders served", Smith said.

"I drove by this place everyday watching the construction, and I have looked forward to the day to see the project complete", said Jackie Bob Martin, Tribal Council member. "I am very proud of this and look forward to other projects being completed."

"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 of BancFirst.

"I am honored to be here to see this beautiful building and know it will be a great asset to the community of Stilwell", said Amy Berg, field representative for Congressman Brad Carson.

"This increases the quality of life in a poor area, anything we can do to help with this is wonderful", said Jim Wilson, State Representative. "Residents will get a community atmosphere and be able to enjoy each other’s company, we need more of these."

"The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation through successful partnerships with the City of Stilwell, Cherokee Affordable Housing, Inc., and Cherokee Nation allowed us to apply for the tax credits for this elderly development", said David Southerland, interim HACN executive director. "Without any one of these partners the Stilwell Senior Housing would not have happened. We appreciate the team work from all partners allowing additional housing opportunities for the elderly."

Eligibility requirements to apply for the Stilwell Senior Housing include income limits and be age 62 or older. These units are open to the public. All units are handicapped equipped.

"The rents for all eligible elderly Cherokees will be assisted through the HACN’s Rental Assistance program", Southerland said.

For more information or to apply contact Toni Nevitt at the Stilwell Senior Housing, phone: 918-696-3050.

Related contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org