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, located in Washington, chose to donate to the two nonprofit organizations when applying for an award of Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) in 2011 for its second LIHTC project. 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.
Tim Horan, executive director of SIHA, said the housing authority was happy to donate to these two organizations and explained how they chose them.
“SIHA is pleased to support the vital work of the Northwest Indian Housing Association,” Tim said. “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.”
Here is a little bit about each organization:
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.
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 organization is working with the Spokane Tribe this summer. For more information, visit the Sierra Service Project website: www.sierraserviceproject.org.
SIHA chose two very good organizations to support. What a happy ending to this housing story!
Read more about SIHA: