The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma marked another housing milestone Dec. 12 with a ribbon-cutting in Valliant, opening 10 LEAP homes and 10 affordable rental homes.
That same afternoon, the Nation hosted another ribbon-cutting ceremony in Hugo, marking the opening of five independent elder homes and 23 affordable rental homes.
With the addition of these homes, District 8 now has 108 completed homes, and 20 more LEAP homes approved for future construction.
Across the Choctaw Nation reservation, a total of 1,720 homes have been completed, with another 344 homes approved for construction.
These housing initiatives support elders, working families and individuals by providing stable housing that strengthens communities and promotes long-term well-being.
The Choctaw Nation Housing Authority offers several programs for tribal members on and off the reservation.
These programs include:
202 Supportive Elder Housing
Consists of one-bedroom elder units equipped with an Energy Star refrigerator, stove, and central heat and air.
Affordable Rental Housing
Provides affordable housing for lower-income households earning no more than 80% of the national median income.
Choctaw Homebuyer Advantage Program
Offers loans to eligible tribal members with no maximum income limits. Applicants must qualify for a mortgage loan based on credit and debt ratios.
Connect Home Program
Assists by providing internet access, devices, and digital literacy training to help bridge the digital divide in low-income communities.
Credit Repair Loans
Provides loans up to $10,000 to help tribal members pay off collections, charge-offs, judgments, liens and repossessions.
Down Payment/Closing Cost Assistance
Assists tribal members with a second mortgage to help cover costs associated with purchasing a home, if allowed by the client’s specific loan program and lender guidelines.
Emergency Management Wind Mitigation
Provides vouchers for wind mitigation projects to tribal members within the Choctaw Nation service area.
Home Rehabilitation Services
Provides emergency repairs, appliances and rehabilitation services (substantial rehabilitation or vouchers) for privately owned homes, including paid-off Mutual Help homes.
Homeowner Energy Management
Provides energy audit services and offers energy efficiency and cost recommendations to eligible tribal homeowners.
HOPE Development Corporation
Operates an eight-unit apartment complex for rent on the open market in Idabel.
HUD-Veterans Assisted Supportive Housing
Provides housing, case management and clinical services for very low-income veterans.
Independent Elder Housing
Provides affordable housing for low-income elders who can live independently. Units are located throughout the reservation and are designed for one or two people.
Lawn Services Voucher Program
Provides lawn care vouchers for eligible Choctaw tribal member homeowners or rental tenants living in the Choctaw Nation service area.
LEAP Program: Lease to Purchase
Offers a homeownership program for tribal members who meet eligibility guidelines.
Mutual Help Management Services (HMS)
Offers 3- or 4-bedroom brick homes built on one acre of land.
Rental Assistance
Provides very low-income applicants the opportunity to live in safe, decent and sanitary housing by keeping rent affordable for one year.
Section 184
Offers a loan guarantee program through approved lenders to Native Americans for homes in Indian Country, both on and off native lands.
Service Coordination
Links individuals to community services that empower them to live independently and become self-sufficient.
Storm Shelters
Provides storm shelter grants to eligible tribal members living in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas.
Streamline Rehabilitation Loans
Provides loans to assist tribal members with energy-efficient improvements and simple home repairs.
Tribal members can contact the Choctaw Nation Housing Authority at 580-235-3087 or visit choctawnation.com/services/ for housing program eligibility and applications.