Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
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News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2005 CNO
VIAN, OKLAHOMA - The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation (HACN) conducted an official dedication for Northview Estates on June 7. Northview Estates, a 35 unit single family housing development has been constructed between Lee and Thompson Streets, in Vian.
Homeowners Gwen Acuff and David Maddox stand with their children Megan and Dakota in front of their new home at Northview Estates. 
The dedication opened with an invocation by Reverend Steve Conley of Trinity Free Holiness Church.
"Thank you for coming today, this is a beautiful addition. When all of this started I was told this would be the showpiece of Cherokee Housing," said Jim Lewis, Mayor of Vian.
According to David Southerland, HACN Executive Director, the 35 units are funded through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program through the Oklahoma Finance Housing Agency.
In November of 2002, the HACN received official notification from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency of an allocation of tax credits for the Northview Estates Limited Partnership, an entity formed by the HACN.
"These tax credits allowed us to bring $3,800,000 of private monies into this $4.5 million development," said Southerland.
"This is a beautiful addition and it provides much needed housing for Cherokees in this area," said Principal Chief Chad Smith, Cherokee Nation, in the opening remarks, "Projects like this can only occur when you have a true partnership with the Cherokee Nation. The Housing Authority, under David Southerland’s leadership, the Commissioners, our Council members David Thornton and Phyllis Yargee and especially the City of Vian – all are very supportive."
"This program allowed us to become homeowners," said Gwen Acuff, resident of Northview Estates.
The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation’s (HACN) accomplishments for Low Income Tax Credit Program applications through OHFA include:
*Northview Estates, is the fourth successful application through OHFA and the first successful application and development through OFHA for home ownership.*Elderly housing, three successful applications and developments through OHFA are Jay Senior Housing, Stilwell Senior Housing, and Wisdom Keepers Senior Housing in Tahlequah.
*HACN’s first Low Income Housing Tax Credit development, Jay Senior Housing was also the first successful application funded for a Native American tribe in Oklahoma.
*The HACN’s second successful application, Stilwell Senior Housing was recently selected as a recipient of the OHFA Apex Award, an annual award, and the first award for HACN.
"I am very thankful this property is up and running but besides being a monument to people living, it’s a monument to the cooperation that happens when various agencies coordinate and cooperate and makes things happen," said Smith. "I applaud everyone’s efforts."
"I am glad to be here and add my congratulations to everyone involved, said Wayne Sims, Administrator, Southern Plains Office for Native American Programs, HUD. "Cherokee Nation and the Housing Authority are leading the way in innovative financing for housing by using other programs like Low Income Housing tax credits to stretch HUD funding to provide additional services like no other tribe is doing."
According to Sims, the Cherokees are doing good work and they are a great example for other tribes.
"It will be nice to see our children play in this addition and to grow up in the community where their ancestors lived," said Phyllis Yargee council member, Cherokee Nation District 3. "I really appreciate everyone’s hard work for this project."
"I would like to thank Jim Lewis and the City Council because without them this would not have been possible," said David Thornton council member, Cherokee Nation District 3. "This addition is really nice, and has exceeded my expectations."
"We all had to work together to make this happen," said Thornton, "I have had the opportunity to travel all over and I have not seen any other housing development like this one, I think we have the best and I am really proud of it."
"This is really the way it is supposed to work, said Darcy Green," Housing Development Team Manager for Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA). "It is really a joy to come out here and see the project on the ground and see that such a fantastic job was done in building this project."
According to Green, at OHFA we believe that Low Income Housing Tax Credit program is the most powerful and efficient and effective tool for putting affordable housing on the ground.
"On behalf of BancFirst, we feel so fortunate to be able to partner on this project, to be able to be a part of the dreams and visions for this addition," said Mike Lyles, President of BancFirst Jenks Branch. "I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this lovely facility and it is a great tribute to all involved."
"It is a pleasure for me to be here today, I have been on the board for a short time and have had the opportunity to meet some of the staff [Housing Authority] and this addition exemplifies their dedication and hard work to providing proper housing for our Cherokee people," said Ken Limore, secretary, HACN Board of Commissioners.
"This is a great example of a private/public partnership for housing," said Southerland.
According to Southerland, eligible applicants must meet income guidelines.
For more information contact, Yukona Worley, Manager, Northview Estates Manager, phone: 918-773-3038 or Sooner Management, phone: 918-485-8885 or the HACN Area 3 Office serving Sequoyah, Muskogee and McIntosh Counties located at 3807 W. Cherokee, in Sallisaw, or call 918-774-0922.
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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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 |
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 |