NAHASDA Native American Housing and Self Determination Act Emergency & Transitio

Since February of 1999, Human Services has had a program to help address homelessness in Cherokee Nation. This program is funded by HUD through the Native American Housing and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA).

The program's primary focus is keeping families safe and in secure housing. Assistance is always made to the landlord or mortgage facility and in some cases utility companies. This assistance is a one time payment to the vendor and payment is based on the family's need and their ability to remain self sufficient. The family's income cannot exceed the current HUD income guidelines and the family must have sufficient income to maintain their housing.

Priority is given to assist those that are:

1. Currently living in shelters
2. Homeless families or individuals living on the streets or cars.
3. Families who have had recent disaster such as burnouts, total loss of their home due to flood, fire, or tornadoes, etc.
4. Elderly
5. Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare cases
6. Families residing in over-crowded conditions.
7. Families living in Cherokee Nation housing or state subsidized housing who are at risk of becoming homeless.

Eligibility guidelines are:

• One family member must be a member of a federally recognized tribe.
• Family must live within the jurisdictional boundaries of Cherokee Nation.
• Household income cannot exceed the income set by HUD.
• Financial Assistance is based on individual families need.

Documentation of all eligibility is required before assistance can be given:

• Copies of CDIB & Membership cards of household members.
• Verification of residence such as a utility bill, rent receipts, eviction notices.
• Household income must be verified by check stubs, checking and/or savings accounts, notarized statements from employer.
• Statements from landlords on the amount needed for family to move in and/or statement from utility company to get services or keep services connected (if applicable).

For More Information:

If additional information is needed about this program or to apply for assistance, please contact a family advocate in the Cherokee Nation in your area.