TRIBE FUNDS NEW RENTAL HOUSING PROGRAM.
What is the program?
The Department of Community Development was granted enough funds to purchase between five and six existing homes on the Reservation during the 2010 year. These homes give DCD the ability to offer another housing alternative to Tribal members who may not qualify for HUD housing options. These homes will be offered and rentals and will be available on a month to month contract.
Who is eligible?
All tribal members 18 and over are eligible.
How much do the homes rent for?
We rent the homes for about 75% of market rate
Is this a HUD funded program?
This is not a HUD program, tribal revenue from our businesses is funding the program.
Why was the program created?
We have a significant housing shortage on the reservation, and we have tribal member needs that other programs do not cover. We have more and more tribal members who do not qualify for HUD housing due to the fact that wages on the reservation are increasing, yet many citizens do not make enough money to purchase homes on the open market. Not everyone wants to live in “tribal housing”. Some people don’t want to be tied down they just want to rent month to month. Many people waiting for housing are single or have a significant other and the Tribe has traditionally not built housing for single individuals or families comprised of two household members.
How do I sign up to be considered for a rental unit?
Just come in to the DCD office and fill out an application or give us a call and one will be mailed to you.
How is it determined who gets the house?
DCD is currently working with the Housing Board as well as Tribal Council to implement policies regulating the program. Tribal Council makes the final decision.
Will you be doing criminal background checks, credit checks and landlord references?
The simple answer is yes. However, consideration on who qualifies for a rental home is not based solely on these checks and references.
What if I have something in my past that may show up on one of those checks?
The mission of the Department of Community Development is to house our Tribal citizens. We will work with you on any issues. Any negative information that shows up on one of these checks will neither disqualify you nor automatically make you ineligible for a rental home.
DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE (DPA) PROGRAM
What is the Program?
The Department of Community Development was granted enough funds assist with Down Payment for 10 tribal members to purchase or Refinance a home.
Who is eligible?
All tribal members 18 and over are eligible. Your house must be located in Kitsap County to be eligible for the Down Payment Assistance.
Is this a HUD funded program?
This is not a HUD funded program, tribal revenue from our businesses is funding the program. But there is a process here that includes a HUD guarantee for your loan on trust land. It makes it easier for tribal people to get loans on tribal land if HUD guarantees your loan, other wise the conventional banks are less willing to loan on trust land.
Why was the program created?
We have significant housing shortage on the reserva-tion, and we have tribal member needs that other programs do not cover. We have more and more tribal members who do not qualify for HUD housing due to the fact they’re making over the allowed income. Not everyone wants to live in tribal housing.
How do I sign up to be considered for Down Payment Assistance?
Just come in to the DCD office and fill out an application or give us a call and one will be mailed to you.
Is purchasing a home a difficult process?
Yes, it can be. But no worries, we have staff here to assist you through the process.
Can you give me guidelines on what the process will entail?
1. Run your credit, review credit report for any negatives, or outstanding balances.
2. Any overdue balances, old accounts, you’ll need to pay off.
3. Negative items on your report must have been paid off for 1 year.
4. You’ll need to apply for conventional financing to determine your pre-approval for purchasing a home.
5. If you’re pre-approved when the time comes for closing on your loan we will cut a check to your escrow company for 20% of the home loan, a minimum of $5,000. but not to exceed $10,000.
I’ve never run my credit, where do I go to get a credit report?
We can run your credit report here in DCD, you can contact Kim at 360-394-8419 as you need to be pre-sent in order to run the reports.
What if I have something in my past that may show up on one of those reports?
It used to be that credit didn’t play a huge role, but due to the housing crash and the recession, the tribal loan program changed. You must have all items paid off for 1 year to be eligible for the HUD 184 loan guarantee program.