Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority

NCTHA's Oldest Mutual Help Housing Project

The Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority will use its 2008 Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) to weatherize the oldest Old Mutual Help Project, the Mt. 12-01 located in Busby, Montana. The Old Mutual Help Project 12-01, 10-houses (1 burnt down) located in Busby, will be the recipient of the first round of work under the ICDBG funding received earlier this year.

This project was the first Mutual Help project that was built in the 1960’s for the Housing Authority. Back then, the families that were receiving these houses had to put in a minimum of 500-hours of ‘Sweat equity’. In other words, they had to help the Contractors build their houses, from the ground up, if they wanted to be eligible to participate in the program and buy the house. All of the homebuyers at that time participated and took a ‘real ownership’ during the construction of these houses. The result; Houses that withstood the test of time some 40-years later.

The Tribal Council realized last year that these units were in dire need of weatherization as the cost to heat these houses with Propane and Electricity continually increases year after year. Additionally, most of the people in these houses are Elders. The NCTHA decided when this Grant became available,  that they would apply and this would be the project that would receive the initial work. These 9-houses, along with 20-other units in the 12-02 to 12-04 projects will receive new Vinyl windows, new Exterior doors, security doors, Roofs, exterior Paint, Electrical, Plumbing and new Furnaces in the coming months. A construction crew has been assembled and the Inspector’s division is finalizing the Scopes of Work for this project.

The Housing Authority has been purchasing all the materials necessary to complete this project. Once that material is in stock, the NCTHA Construction Crew will start the work which should take place in Mid-September.  Letters will be sent out to all of the Tenants in these units early next week from the Occupancy Department notifying them of the proposed work.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Donita Sioux or Palmeda Fisher at 477-6419. They will be able to assist you.

Home Buyer Education Class

The Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority has sponsored a Homebuyer Education Class on August 26, 2009 at the Charging Horse Casino.  This was a good turnout for being my first class.  I had 7 participants who received their Certificate for Homebuyer Education.  There were a total of 12 presenters who gave their expertise on the Home buying process.  I had local presenters from most of the required services that are needed to begin the Home buying process. One of the biggest obstacles here on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation is that people don’t have credit established.  Don’t wait!!!  Start getting your documents in order.  I plan on having my next Homebuyer Education Class sometime in November 2009.  I don’t have an exact set date yet.  If you plan on purchasing a Home in the future and need some good advice on where and how to start just look for my Flyer for the Homebuyer Education Class.  It will be posted in the local businesses or contact Rachael Two Two at 477-6419.

HOMEBUYER EDUCATION CLASS AGENDA

8:00-8:15 AM Registration Rachael Two Two, Homebuyer Coordinator

8:15-8:30 AM Introduction – Home Ownership Rachael Two Two, Homebuyer Coordinator

8:30-10:00 AM Financial Literacy Jen Price, AmeriCorps Volunteer

10:00-10:15 AM BREAK 15 MINUTES ONLY

10:15-11:45 AM Credit Management Tom Woods, Financial Educator for AmeriCorps &                                                                                   Consumer Credit Counseling Services, Billings, MT

11:45-12:00 PM Down Payment Assistance Rachael Two Two, Homebuyer Coordinator                Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority

12:00-12:30 PM LUNCH BREAK LUNCH PROVIDED – 1/2 HOUR Only!

12:30-1:00 PM Lease Application Process                          Lease Compliance               Merrilee Graham, Land Authority Officier                                   Northern Cheyenne Tribe

1:00-1:30 PM Home Site Lease Process Darryl Sanchez, Realty Specialist, B.I.A.                  Northern Cheyenne Agency

1:30-2:00 PM USDA Rural Development Prequal/Application Process Cindy Coleman, Area Specialist                                     USDA Rural Development – Billings, MT

2:00-2:30 PM HUD 184                                            Application Process Barbara Braided Hair,  Branch Manager                                             First Interstate Bank – Lame Deer Branch

2:30-3:00 PM Home Maintenance Roger Killsnight Sr., Maintenance Division Manager           Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority

3:00-3:15 PM BREAK 15 MINUTES ONLY

3:15-3:30 PM Tongue River Electric Co. Miles Dennis, Engineer                                                 Tongue River Electric Cooperative    Ashland, MT

3:30-3:45 PM Application Process                  Wells, Septics, & Drainfields Linda Brady, Executive Assistant N.C. Board Of Health                        Martin Reed – Envirnomental Engineer, I.H.S.

3:45-4:00 PM Application Process                   Water/Sewer Services Ethelyn Shoulderblade, Accounts Receivable Clerk  Winslow WhiteCrane, Manager, N.C.U.C.,Lame Deer

The Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority has a total of five (5) houses for Sale.  There are three (3) up in the Sweet Medicine Sub-Division, one (1) on the reservation line going west on 212 and one (1) in the Ashland area.  NCTHA will also have ten (10) more units for sale at the Walking Horse Sub-Division located west of Ashland, Montana.  NCTHA is in the process of getting the water system for this project.  Start saving and look into your credit history so you know where your at with your credit.  Any Interested individuals must be able to retain Financing.  For more information contact Rachael Two Two, Homebuyer Coordinator at 477-6419.

This article is to advise all ELDERS of the opportunity to be placed on the waiting list for the Shoulderblade Complex.  The Shoulderblade Complex is scheduled for a full renovation, with new appliances, new cabinets, new paint, upgraded electrical and plumbing, and new landscaping.  The Shoulderblade Complex will become a residential center dedicated solely to Tribal Elders, in a setting of increased comfort, safety, and independent living.  The planned renovation is expected to be completed in about one year.

The Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority is in the process of starting this major project here on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.  In order to be considered for residency, all you have to do is fill out an application and submit the required documentation.  This will not obligate you in any way, but will provide you with the option of living at the Shoulderblade Complex should you choose to do so.

The Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority is now accepting applications.  To be eligible you must be a Tribal Member who is 55 years of age or older, independent, have a regular monthly income, and are willing to be a good tenant.

Thank you for your attention to this Notice.