TOKA Homes #2 grand opening a great success

The Tohono O’odham Ki:Ki Association (TOKA) and the Tohono O’odham Nation celebrated the grand opening of TOKA Homes #2 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony this spring in Sells, AZ.

I had the opportunity to attend the event and was able to tour these wonderful new homes, which included the construction of 20 new units as part of townhomes and the rehabilitation of 20 additional homes.

The TOKA staff worked incredibly hard to make this day happen. We applaud their efforts!

Watch videos of the April 19 event on TOKA’s Facebook page and learn more on TOKA’s website.

Travois is proud to have been able to secure $8.1 million of investor equity for the development. This was my first opportunity to experience a grand opening. Knowing how much time and effort goes into the successful completion of a housing development, it is rewarding to tour the completed homes.

Many people in TOKA leadership and Edward Manuel, chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation, spoke about how far this community has come in such a short period of time, and how these homes will provide a foundation for generations to come. One of my favorite parts about working at Travois is visiting these communities, hearing directly from their members and seeing their visions realized.

The ceremony was followed by a fantastic pasta luncheon catered by a Tohono O’odham tribal member.

In addition to building or rehabilitation housing, Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) can also add important amenities for residents, using investor funds to pay for the majority of the cost. Possibilities include remote offices, community rooms, playgrounds, laundry facilities and basketball courts.