TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – (RealEstateRama) — The Cherokee Nation announced Friday that, because of the high demand for citizens’ housing needs, it is merging its department that repairs homes to be under the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation, which builds homes and offers rental assistance programs.
“The demand for housing services continues to increase, and if all of our housing programs are in a one-stop shop, it will not only make the program more efficient, but provide better services for our people,” said Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr.
The transition of the tribe’s successful housing rehab program to the Housing Authority starts March 7.
No employees currently working for the tribe’s community services department, which operated the housing rehabilitation program, will lose their job because of the move. About 80 employees were offered transfers with the same rate of pay and their vacation and sick leave balances would also transfer to the Housing Authority. Employees have the option to go into layoff status if they choose not to transfer to the housing authority.
Since fall 2012, Cherokee Nation has built about 300 new homes under the tribe’s New Home Construction program through the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation. It also helps more than 6,000 Cherokee Nation citizens and Native Americans with housing needs.
The housing rehabilitation program helped renovate or replace 609 Cherokee homes through its department in fiscal year 2015.
The Housing Authority of Cherokee Nation field offices will now offer housing rehabilitation services throughout the tribe’s 14-county jurisdiction.
Cherokee Nation News Release
For Media Inquiries:
Julie Hubbard 918-207-3896
julie-hubbard (at) cherokee (dot) org
For General Information:
918-453-5000
800-256-0671
communications (at) cherokee (dot) org
