Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Stilwell Senior Housing groundbreaking. (L-R) Ron Froman, HACN Planner; Jackie Bob Martin, Tribal Council Member; Harold "Jiggs" Phillips, Tribal Council Member; Wayne Dunham, Mayor of Jay; Chad Smith, Principal Chief; Marilyn Hill Russell, Mayor of Stilwell; Mary Adair, HACN Commissioner Vice-President; Ron Qualls, HACN Executive Director; Jim Hummingbird, City Council Member; Norman Issacs, City Council Member; Wayne Sims, HUD Administrator; Clifford Camp, City Council Member.

STILWELL, OKLAHOMA - The Stilwell Senior Housing is one step closer to reality with the groundbreaking ceremony held earlier this week. The development is being constructed at 400 North 8th Street, in Stilwell.

"The Stilwell Senior Housing Limited Partnership was established to apply for alternative financing to construct a 40 unit apartment complex for both the non-Indian and Native American elderly,” said Ron Qualls, HACN executive director.

In December of 2001, the HACN received official notification from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency of an allocation of tax credits for the Stilwell Senior Housing Limited Partnership, an entity formed by the HACN.

"These tax credits will allow us to bring $2,005,217 of private monies into this $3.139 million development", Qualls said.

"This is the second successful application for the Housing Authority through the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency and I commend our Housing Authority for their concern and work for our elderly Cherokees", Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith said in the opening remarks. Among our Cherokee people, the highest priority is taking care of the elders."

"The project will be a construction consisting of a 40 unit elderly apartment complex, projected for completion in the spring of 2003", said Ron Qualls, HACN executive director.

"I am happy to be a part of the efforts along with the Housing Authority and Cherokee Nation to bring affordable housing to the elderly in our city", said Mayor Marilyn Hill Russell, of Stilwell, who served as the master of ceremonies. “Stilwell is a wonderful place for seniors to reside."

"I am excited that we are able to bring such a project to Stilwell and Adair County, this is good news", said Jackie Bob Martin, Tribal Council member, Cherokee Nation District 2, who gave the invocation. "I assisted in acquiring the property for the project and look forward to the construction phase, this project is very helpful for Stilwell."

"It takes a lot of teamwork to put something like this together, and everyone has an important part to play," said Harold 'Jiggs' Phillips, Tribal Council member, Cherokee Nation District 2, in his remarks at the ceremony. “This is another step forward."

"What I see here is something I don't see a lot of the other tribes doing", said Wayne Sims, administrator for the Southern Plains Office for Native American Programs, HUD. "You are appreciated and are to be congratulated, for doing above and beyond work."

"It's events like these that make it all worthwhile,” added Mary Adair vice-chair, HACN Board of Commissioners, in the closing remarks, "It's a good day for the community, and I am thankful for the cooperation between the Cherokee Nation, tribal council, city council, mayor, and HACN."

Potential residents for the facility must meet income limits and be at least 62 years old. All units in these buildings are open to the public and will be handicapped equipped. Meal services will be provided through the Stilwell Elderly Nutrition, transportation will be provided by the Housing Authority and health screenings provided by the Wilma P. Mankiller Health Clinic.

"On behalf of the HACN Board of Commissioners, I am glad the Housing Authority is actively seeking alternative opportunities for housing, especially for the elderly at no additional costs to the Housing Authority", said Alyene Hogner, chairman, HACN Board of Commissioners.

According to Qualls, the rents can be subsidized by the Housing Authority and rents for non-Indians can be subsidized by the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency.

"This is a great example of a private/public partnership for housing", Qualls said.

For more information or to apply contact, Sooner Management ask for Bonnie Cox or Mary Nanson, phone: 918-485-8885 or the HACN Area 2 Office located at 160 Alyene Drive, or call 696-2055.