The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma offers affordable housing options for lower-income households earning no more than 80% of the national median income.
One of those options is Affordable Rental Housing.
The Affordable Rental Housing program enables residents to participate in a family-oriented housing community at a rent rate within the family’s means.
There are currently 568 Affordable Rental Housing units within the Choctaw Nation Reservation.
Each unit has a refrigerator, stove, and central heating and air conditioning.
Every site is overseen by a rental manager and maintenance technician responsible for the overall operations and physical integrity of each unit and property.
These units are in the following locations: Antlers, Atoka, Bennington, Bokoshe, Broken Bow, Caney, Calera, Clayton, Coalgate, Crowder, Hugo, Idabel, Keota, McAlester, Poteau, Quinton, Red Oak, Savanna, Spiro, Stigler, Stuart, Talihina, Wilburton and Wright City.
Construction and expansion plans are already underway in many of the listed towns, as well as Alderson/Hartshorne, Bethel/Battiest, Hartshorne, Pocola, Smithville and Valliant.
The Affordable Rental Housing program relieves the housing stress many people in these areas face.
In District 1, for example, a couple had been living in a mobile home for years with little to no heat. They had to run multiple heaters to stay warm, which was dangerous and expensive. Now, they can live comfortably and safely in their Affordable Rental Unit.
Also, in Idabel, a mother had been living with her son before going to a nursing home for rehabilitation for her vision and assistance after becoming an amputee. Instead of having to move back in with her son, she was able to move into an Affordable Rental Unit where she can now live independently. She is also working on getting a service animal to help her journey toward independence.
In Spiro, a single mother of two had been essentially homeless for several months after losing her home. Before moving into her Affordable Rental Unit, she was looking for work while staying between places with family and friends. Now, she has a new job and home for her family to live in safely.
In District 9, a mother was forced to leave her home for the safety of herself and her children and Children and Family Services became involved. Social workers and Tribal Council worked together to help the mother find temporary housing. During that time, she applied for Affordable Rental Housing and, just a few months later, moved into her new home. Now, the family is back together in a safe and clean environment where they can thrive.
The list of success stories is endless, thanks to the Affordable Rental Housing program.
The eligibility requirements for Affordable Rental Housing are as follows:
- Must have a CDIB Card
- Must have income and meet income guidelines
- Must be able to pay 15-20% of their adjusted income towards rent
- Household members aged 18 and over must pass a background check
- Copy of SSN card and photo identification for all household occupants
Must provide two previous landlord references, including telephone numbers and addresses or two references from third-party individuals
Applications can be submitted by mail, fax, email or through the Chahta Chahta Achvffa Portal. Application forms and more information can be found at .
Those who are interested but may not have access to the internet can call the CNO Housing Authority at 800-235-3087.