Cherokee Nation Chief-Elect Chuck Hoskin Junior announced Thursday a $30 million plan that will largely go toward a backlog of housing repair assistance requests.
The funding will come from a special dividend from Cherokee Nation Businesses paid over three years, with 75% of it going toward home rehabilitation.
Nearly 700 Cherokee families — most of them elders or citizens with disabilities — are waiting for help getting new roofs, electrical repairs or other work, but there isn’t enough federal funding for all of them.
"We’re the largest tribe in the country. We have a wonderful housing program — in fact, an award-winning housing authority. But the resources need to be there," Hoskin said. "And so, this will shift our business revenue, a portion of it, to something I think is a very high priority, which is taking care of our elders and those who need it."
Lola McKinzie, a 73-year-old widow who lives in Claremore, got a new roof this week after waiting about a year and almost being dropped by her insurance company.
"It’s wonderful to be able to know that you’ve got that new roof, you’re fully insured, it’s — I can’t tell you how much it is, because it’s great," McKinzie said.
Hoskin thinks the tribe can tackle the entire waiting list in three years.
The other 25% of the funding, or $7.5 million, will go toward remodeling or installing energy-saving improvements like solar panels at community buildings, which are important gathering places.
"They’re the place where Cherokees get together and tell stories. They’re places where children learn their culture and history. They’re places where, often, you see revitalization of our language. They’re places where leaders in the community can reach out and help Cherokees in need," Hoskin said.
The Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act of 2019, which formalizes the plan, must be approved by the Council of the Cherokee Nation. Several members were at Thursday's announcement, and District 7 Councilor Canaan Duncan is a sponsor of the legislation.
The act is part of Hoskin's first 100 days of office initiatives. He officially becomes principal chief Aug. 14.
