TAHLEQUAH – The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation is offering its Emergency Rental Assistance Program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with eligibility extending to Cherokee Nation citizens living in certain areas outside Oklahoma, including in parts of Arkansas and Kansas.
According to a CN press release, eligible renter households in need of assistance may submit applications at www.hacn.org.
The ERAP is available to aid eligible renter households that have suffered financial hardship with rental payments as a result of the pandemic, the release states. It also states the HACN offers assistance that may be used to cover a portion of past due rental payments as well as future rental payments for both residential dwelling and residential lot rent such as mobile home lot rent.
“As the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to plague many Cherokee families, the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation continues to be a force of good,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is one more way the Housing Authority is helping Cherokee families continue to recover from the worst public health crisis we have seen this generation. The temporary extension of these benefits to many of our at-large citizens will be particularly impactful.”
Applicants who meet guidelines will be eligible for assistance through funds that were part of the U.S. Department of Treasury’s allocation to states, U.S. territories and tribes for emergency rental assistance in response to the COVID 19-pandemic, the release states.
“This is a program that continues to bring much-needed relief for renters to stay in their homes as well as landlords who have been hard-hit by the economic effects of the pandemic,” HACN Interim Director Jerri Ann Killer said. “I believe we’ve made some significant strides to a strong recovery. The recovery began with making sure everyone has safe and stable housing. This program continues to ensue people can stay in their homes once the pandemic had ended.”
The release states that additional funding is available for new applicants and previous recipients. It also states thateligibility criteria include:
• At least one household member must be a CN citizen;
• Applicants must be obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling or residential lot rent in Oklahoma; in the Arkansas counties of Benton, Crawford or Washington; or in the Kansas counties of Chautauqua, Cherokee, Labette or Montgomery;
• The landlord must be willing to complete a W-9 and accept payment from the HACN. Refusal to complete a W-9 and accept payment from the HACN may result in the applicant’s ineligibility;
• Household income may not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income. First preference given to households under 50% Area Median Income.
“I appreciate the extension of these benefits to Cherokees living at some of the at-large areas,” At-Large Tribal Councilor Johnny Kidwell said. “At-Large Council members have encouraged the administration and the Housing Authority to take reasonable, sustainable steps to help as many Cherokees as possible deal with the COVID pandemic, no matter where they live. I applaud the administration for this temporary expansion of benefits, as it will help many living inside and outside the Cherokee Nation.”
For information or application assistance, email services@hacn.org or call at 918-456-5482, ext. 1135.
