The Programs are Described as Follows:

LOW INCOME RENTAL HOUSING (LOW RENT) PROGRAM:  Units the Cherokee Nation maintains and manages.  Waiting lists are maintained.  Income guidelines are 80% of median income or below.

• The family is required to pay a portion of rent based upon 30% of their monthly adjusted income to Cherokee Nation 
• Unit size is based upon family size
•  Families are encouraged to gain self-sufficiency
•  No term limit applies as long as program requirements are not violated
•  Criminal background check conducted
•  A household member must be a member of a federally recognized tribe
•  Preference:  Cherokee Tribal member and Working Head/Spouse

RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:  NAHASDA funded program designed to assist Native Americans with decent, safe, and sanitary housing with Cherokee Nation jurisdictional boundaries.  Income guidelines are 60% of Median Income or below.  Once approved, families must find their own unit, unit must be approved and landlord must be willing to enter contract.

• A household member must be a member of a federally recognized tribe
•  Preference:  Cherokee Tribal Member and elderly, handicapped or disabled
• The family is required to pay a portion of rent based upon 30% of their monthly adjusted income
•  Cherokee Nation will supplement a portion of rent to the owner
• 24 month lifetime term limit applies, term does not apply to elderly, disabled or handicapped head/spouse
•  Single person may apply
•  Families are encouraged to gain self-sufficiencyCriminal background check is conducted
• Environmental review conducted
•  Tenant is responsible for all security and utility deposits
•  Must enter into a one-year lease

MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE (MAP) PROGRAM:  Provides qualified Cherokee Nation citizens with down payment/closing costs assistance in obtaining a mortgage to purchase or construct a home.  Income guidelines are 80% of Median Income or below.

• Head or Spouse must be a member of a federally recognized tribe
• Preference:  Cherokee Tribal member 
• First-time Homebuyer-An individual or spouse who has had no ownership in a residence during the three years prior to the purchase OR who has only owned a residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation OR who has only owned a property that was uninhabitable or not in compliance with building codes
• Must be willing to reside in Cherokee Nation jurisdictional boundaries
•  Must obtain a loan through an approved lender, preferably a Section 184 or USDA loan, (Loan must be approved by Cherokee Nation).
• Soft second mortgage.  Must own and reside in the home for 10 years or prorated payback.
• Environmental review and inspection conducted
• Homebuyer’s training required
• Limited to five (5) acresHousehold members must pass a Criminal Background Check

HOUSING REHAB PROGRAM;  Provides rehabilitation to qualified Cherokee homeowners.

A completed application must have the following documentation:

1. Copy of Tribal Membership card(s) (blue card)
2.  Copy of Social Security card(s) for each household member over 5 years old
3. Income verification for every household member over the age of 18.
4. Handicap/Disabled Form (if applicable, must be at least 50% or more)
5. Warranty Deed (If Applicable)