The Tohono O’odham Ki:Ki Association (TOKA) recently received a 2016 allocation of Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) from the Arizona Department of Housing! TOKA Homes #2 will include the acquisition/rehabilitation of 20 units and new construction of 20 townhomes on the Tohono O’odham Reservation in Sells, AZ.
Similar to TOKA Homes #1, the scope of rehabilitation work for the 20 rehab units in TOKA Homes #2 will be quite extensive given that the units are 30-years-old. The exteriors will be repaired and repainted and the exterior windows and doors will be fixed or replaced. The internal framing studs will be replaced with metal studs due to termite damage.
The major mechanical systems, hot water heater and furnace, are inefficient and outdated, and will be replaced with energy-star rated systems. New flooring is needed throughout, and the kitchen and bathrooms will essentially be gutted and replaced with all new cabinets, countertops and plumbing fixtures. Additionally, the xeriscape landscaping will be refurbished for longevity, and the concrete walkways and driveways will be repaired and replaced as needed.
On a site near the rehab units, 20 new townhome units will also be built as part of the project. The townhome units will include one-, two- and three-bedroom units with energy efficient appliances and fixtures, hard surface flooring, and xeriscape landscaping. The new construction site will also include an outdoor ramada for residents to enjoy.
The new community building that is being constructed through TOKA Homes #1 will also provide services to residents of this project. The services include before/after school-programs for children, job training and assistance, computer training and quarterly financial literacy classes. Residents will also have access to a nearby playground, a basketball court, door-to-door transportation services, and a nearby bus stop.
The TOKA Homes #2 project is the last phase of TOKA’s rehabilitation of an entire neighborhood in Sells. TOKA Homes #1 rehabbed 40 units. TOKA rehabbed another 20 units with a Title VI loan guarantee. And the remaining neighborhood units to be rehabbed are a part of TOKA Homes #2.
This neighborhood overhaul has been a great deal of planning and hard work. Just this past year, TOKA was selected for the Arizona Department of Housing’s Brian Mickelson Housing Hero Award for a Tribal Initiative for their work on TOKA Homes #1 and the Title VI loan guarantee.
I want to congratulate TOKA on all of their recent successes! TOKA Homes #2 will be a wonderful addition to the Sells community, and we can’t wait to see the future residents move into these beautiful new homes!