Two client projects recognized as best of the best

Spokane Homes II

We would like to congratulate the Spokane Indian Housing Authority and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo for continued excellence. Their Low Income Housing Tax Credit projects, the Spokane Tribal Homes #2 and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo #1, have been recognized as “Best Practices” by The Office of Native America Programs (ONAP) for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are currently featured on the home page of ONAP’s website.

The recognition goes to organizations that use grant funds creatively and effectively to improve the quality of life for their members, and SIHA’s and YSDP’s projects are the best of the best.

The Spokane project created 20 new construction units and rehabilitated 20 others on sites in Fruitland, Ford, and Wellpinit, WA. The project is designed to be energy-efficient and includes landscaped yards, a new community center/recreational area, playground equipment and a horseshoe pit.

Tim Horan, executive director of SIHA, recently sent in an update on the project.

“The Spokane Tribal Homes II LIHTC project has made a significant impact on our waiting list,” Tim said. “We have been able to provide beautiful new single-family homes for 20 families. This has been our most significant housing development since our first tax credit project in 2004. The Tshimakian Meadows Pavilion has provided a versatile outdoor gathering place for family and community events. It’s equipped with a full kitchen, bathrooms, a fireplace as well as a planned basketball court, volleyball court and a children’s playground. We also rehabbed 20 of our existing 1937 Act units. This allowed us to significantly upgrade stock that was up to 30 years old. In particular 10 elder units were completely renovated, providing a comfortable open floor plan designed for accessibility with convenient modern appliances, improved insulation and weatherization and an efficient HVAC system. The recent addition of a sidewalk provides a pleasant barrier free access to the senior center next door. We appreciate the assistance of the Travois professionals who helped us navigate our way through this project as well as all of our partners in this rewarding undertaking.”

Read Asset Manager Kari Hutchison’s blog about the ribbon-cutting for the community pavilion here.

Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is the first tribe in Texas to successfully use the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. The project built 30 duplex homes, which provide 60 affordable housing units to income-qualified members of the tribe. The unit mix includes 33 two-bedroom homes, 24 three-bedroom homes and three four-bedroom homes. In addition to housing, the project also constructed a community facility and police substation and a park with playground equipment and picnic areas.

See beautiful photos of the project here.

Excellent work, SIHA and YDSP! We are proud to be a part of such great projects!

Do you have a best practice to share? Tribes, Tribally Designated Housing Entities, or resident organizations are encouraged to share their best practices for using Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBG) and Indian Community Development Block Grants (ICDBG). Email codetalk@hud.gov to submit your best practice. 

And tell us about why you are proud of your project with our #20YearsEquals campaign