"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CN Offers Home Ownership Opportunity

***"Ralph and Tawni Tyner work on building their own home through the CN's Self-Help Housing Program."***

JAY, OK - The Cherokee Nation is helping three Delaware County families realize the dream of owning a home.

“The Cherokee Nation creates programs that provides for a better quality of life for all of its citizens,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “This program allows our Cherokee citizens to realize the dream of owning a home through participation in a program that allows them to help build that home, an accomplishment that we feel will create a deeper sense of pride and appreciation toward the home.”

Each family is receiving home-ownership assistance through the tribe’s Self-Help Housing Program, which is headed by Cherokee Nation’s Community Services Department.

According to Carolyn Bilby, Housing Development Analyst, the program is geared toward low-income families and can be a life changing experience for the families involved.

“This program is a wonderful way for Cherokee families who otherwise would not qualify for a home through traditional methods to have that dream realized,” said Bilby. “I really enjoy helping these families out. They feel pride when their homes are complete because they helped build them.”

Ronny and Sandra Chewey, of Eucha, are one of the families who are looking forward to moving into their new home. The family was once faced with medical adversity and appreciates the opportunity to get a fresh start and a new place to live.

“We were both hurt in accidents and were forced to sell our home,” said Sandra Chewey. “We have been living in my brother’s mobile home and can’t wait to get into our new house. They just delivered the building package today and have already started framing up the structure. What’s great is that we also have the chance to help build houses for my husband’s sisters. They are purchasing homes through the program too. This way we can all help each other.”

Tawni and Ralph Tyner, also of Eucha, are another family benefiting from the tribe’s help.

“We’ve tried other avenues to purchase a home,” said Tawni Tyner. “We just couldn’t do it. Without the help of the Cherokee Nation, we probably would not have been able to own our own home. My whole family has pitched in to help.”

The foundation that the program is built on is the concept of self-help. The Cherokee Nation provides materials and instructional help, but participants are required to take on the task of building their own housing structure.

According to Tambra Huddleston, who is also participating in the program, having a hand in building your own home can only make you appreciate it more.

“This is truly a dream come true for us,” said Huddleston. “What’s even better is that my brother and sister are getting a home, too. Having worked on this house with my husband, Sam, and my family will only make me appreciate it more in the years to come.”

“We all want to thank the Cherokee Nation for the chance to own our own homes,” said Chewey. “I would encourage other families in need of a home to look into this program. It’s an excellent opportunity and worth the wait.”

For more information on the program, call Carolyn Bilby, phone: 918-431-4140.