The Spokane Indian Housing Authority (SIHA) recently donated a combined total of $21,981 to two nonprofit organizations: the Northwest Indian Housing Association (NWIHA), which provides training and education for tribal housing authorities in the Northwest, and the Sierra Service Project, which organizes volunteer work, most often home repairs, throughout the western United States.
SIHA chose to donate to the two nonprofit organizations after it received an award of Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) in 2011 for its second LIHTC project. The LIHTC program, a federal tax credit program that encourages private investment in affordable housing, is administered by state housing agencies that decide which projects receive awards. The Washington State Housing Finance Commission awards points to developers who make a donation to a housing-related nonprofit organization.
SIHA submitted a successful application and recently passed along the donations. The timing of the donation follows Washington’s Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) (essentially the “rule book” for projects) and takes place after the project has closed with an equity investor, completed construction, is occupied and has received its final allocation of tax credits. Travois has worked with SIHA through each step of the project.
“SIHA is pleased to support the vital work of the Northwest Indian Housing Association,” said Tim Horan, SIHA executive director. We’ve been a NWIHA member for years and have received an enormous benefit from the professional, proactive leadership of NWIHA and its impressive advocacy. We’re proud to be NWIHA members.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Sierra Service Project with two other tribes,” he continued. “I’ve always come away feeling inspired by the good-hearted, selfless nature of their youthful workforce and the good that they have been able to accomplish for our low income tribal members. I’m delighted that they’ll be working with us this summer.”
The mission of the Northwest Indian Housing Association is to promote safe, sanitary, decent and affordable housing for tribal members in the Pacific Northwest. NWIHA accomplishes this by providing training and education opportunities; providing a forum for the discussion and resolution of issues; advocating for the collective benefit of all members; effectively linking members to information and financial resources; and working collaboratively with its industry partners. More information on NWIHA can be found on its website: www.nwiha.org.
“We sincerely thank Tim and the leadership of the Spokane Tribe for their generous donation,” said Northwest Indian Housing Association Chairman Laurie Ann Cloud. “Donations like this make a difference in the work we can do to support housing in Indian Country.”
The Sierra Service Project organizes volunteers throughout the western United States. Its volunteers take part in weeklong or weekend projects doing challenging service work. The type of work includes roofing, building and repairing wheelchair ramps and porches, painting and other general home repairs. The organization is working with the Spokane Tribe this summer. For more information, visit the Sierra Service Project website: www.sierraserviceproject.org.
“We are very excited to be working SIHA this summer,” said Rick Eaton, SSP executive director. “Our program, which is always done in partnership with local tribes and housing authorities, is a cost-effective way to deliver a variety of home repairs projects to community residents. We have already received over 50 requests from Spokane Reservation residents for wheelchair ramps, stairs and porches, and are preparing for a very productive summer.”
About Spokane Indian Housing Authority
Spokane Indian Housing Authority serves the Spokane tribal membership by providing opportunities for affordable, decent, safe and sanitary housing.