The Housing Authority of the Choctaw Nation launched a new program aimed at assisting tribal members with affordable housing Friday, May 17 in LeFlore County. The housing authority held a ribbon cutting ceremony opening 10 new low-rent homes on Lacey Lane in Poteau. Also, opened were 20 new lease-purchase (LEAP) homes on Curtis Lane.
Among those in attendance were tribal and city officials, other tribal representatives and Choctaw tribal elders.
“It does our heart good,” said Chief Gary Batton, “for us to see people participating, getting into rental housing and gaining home ownership. This Council is all about improving the lives of our tribal members… making a better life for a child.”
Each new rental home is about 1,200 sq. ft. with three bedrooms and two baths. These are the first of 130 to come throughout the Choctaw Nation from the Rental Property Services Department.
Rent will be 20 percent of total household income, making them more obtainable than many housing options in the area. The goal is to provide new, affordable housing opportunities to tribal members who may be paying high rent, living in substandard conditions or those who just may not yet be ready for homeownership.
The housing authority’s LEAP program is helping families become new homeowners by assisting with raising credit scores and homebuyer education courses. According to Chief Batton, the housing authority is on target to build 500 homes over the next five years.
For additional information, contact Housing Authority of the Choctaw Nation in Hugo, 580-326-7521 or online www.choctawnation.com/tribal-services/housing.
Comments