The apartment units in Towaoc will specifically target homeless, those at risk of becoming homeless and those earning less than 30 percent of the area median income.
Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs Executive Director Ernest House, Jr., a member of the Ute Mountain Ute tribe, noting it’s the first such partnership between the tribe and the state, said, “We want to thank DOLA and the tribal staff for working on the project. It’s a great opportunity, and it’s the first-ever housing project like this built on tribal land in the state.”
Ute Mountain Ute tribe Chairman Manuel Heart said the tribe has 2,200 members but there are only 500 homes in Towaoc, mostly rental units, resulting in families doubling up in small homes, many of them older.
Additionally, a federal Indian Community Development Block Grant could bring eight manufactured homes (MH) to the tribe, and a revolving fund has been initiated by the tribe that could bring another eight MH to the Utes.
According to Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne the housing project will also provide supportive services such as counseling and behavioral health. “We are excited that this project will be the first supportive housing project for a tribal entity on tribal land,” Lynne said. “Our government-to-government relationship both respects tribal sovereignty and allows us to focus on issues pertaining to all citizens of Colorado including our oldest and first inhabitants.” ##
(Photo credit: ruidosonews-Apache Mescalero Native Americans modular home)
