Cherokee Nation Gets Praise from HUD

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Model Program

Native Brief: TAHEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation recently received exceptional praise from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, staff for performing a high quality internal review of funds awarded to the tribe by the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act.

Typically, HUD performs an in-depth audit of these funds at Cherokee Nation every three years. However, this year HUD performed only a limited review, stating the main reason for the change was the tribe's extensive review already performed by the Evaluation and Compliance department at Cherokee Nation. HUD surveyors commended the tribe for their high-quality review and described it as a "model program" for other tribes.

Marvin Jones, Cherokee Nation Housing policy manager, said the tribe disperses the funds in multiple programs to meet the wide variety of needs and circumstance of Cherokee people.

"This includes a number of different homeownership and rental programs, as well as related services such as law enforcement, educational and job training opportunities for residents, and elder and family services," said Jones.

The tribe uses the housing funds for more than 20 programs, including providing affordable housing to Cherokee families with low-income, mortgage down-payment assistance to citizens looking to buy a home and rental assistance to families who temporarily need help making rent or mortgage payments. Cherokee Nation's Evaluation and Compliance department monitors the funds appropriated to the tribe and makes sure they are spent accordingly.

"Cherokee Nation Evaluation & Compliance provides a broad range of review services designed to help Cherokee Nation meet its objectives," said Erica Hart, Cherokee Nation Evaluation and Compliance director. "We are pleased to receive such an accolade and recognition from a federal agency."

posted August 3, 2011 6:00 am edt