Cherokee Nation housing report: more applicants, new grants and workforce initiative

Todd Enloe, director of Housing & Services, presented program metrics and grant updates at the Feb. 16 council meeting. Enloe said the department served about 4,800 households in December and had about 6,800–6,900 pending applications. He reported that 26 households have received down payment or mortgage assistance so far this fiscal year, with an average household income just under $28,000 and roughly 22% equity created through the assistance.

On housing rehabilitation, Enloe said the department posted 25 jobs in December, had 141 jobs under contract and completed 86. He recognized staff coping with a longtime employee's serious health setback and noted the retirement and illness of a longtime Sallisaw office employee, Joe Locust.

Enloe said the Nation opened the Sequoia Heights community building and play space, which includes a storm shelter and sidewalks funded with HUD ARPA funds, and that the Nation received a $500,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka for related projects. He announced a grant targeted to Cherokee veterans to support home rehabs and wraparound services in partnership with human services, veterans affairs and the housing authority.

Enloe also described a new initiative tied to Section 184 skilled worker provisions, stating the Nation is the first tribal nation in the United States to utilize that program and said more details will be released soon. He reported Autumn Woods (14 homes, southwest of Grandview School) is nearing completion (an estimated 45–60 days depending on weather) and that outstanding site items include porches, ramps and address/utility coordination.

Enloe said the I Save (ISA) program has seen rapid early growth: the department processed 52 applications last year and has matched that number since the program's October announcement in the first three months.

The council offered thanks and brief questions; no formal housing votes were recorded in the transcript.