Since February of 1999, Human Services has had a program to help address homelessness in the Cherokee Nation. This program is funded by HUD through the Native American Housing and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA). The program’s primary focus is on 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 in cars.
3. Recent disasters such as burnouts, total loss of a home due to flood, fire or tornado.
4. Elderly persons
5. Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare cases
6. Families residing in over-crowded conditions.
7. Families living in Cherokee Nation or state-subsidized housing and are at risk of becoming homeless.