Wichita Housing Authority

 

The Wichita Housing Authority is the Tribal Designated Housing Entity (TDHE) of the Wichita & Affiliated Tribes. Established in 1992 under the Wichita Housing Act (Wichita Public Law 92-100-002) in is governed by a five member Board of Commissioners as an entity of the Tribe. Funding, in part, for the operations and programs of the housing authority come from a single federal resource by participation in the nationwide Indian Housing Block Grant as regulated by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. Statutory requirements of the IHBG are defined by the Native American Housing and Self Determination Act of 1996, as amended. The Authority has also used programs offered through the State of Oklahoma and private investors to develop housing needs.

 

Iscani Addition Expands with Four Duplex Units

 

A brief summary of programs offered through the Authority are: 

HUD Mutual Help Homeownership Opportunity Program

The Authority has developed 59 single family residences under the Mutual Help Program. Successful completion of the program has been reached by four families who have had their home conveyed. The program is a rental program wherein participants are referred to as "homebuyers". Homeownership is acquired at the completion of the program requirements. These homes were developed under the 1937 US Housing Act. 

HUD Low Income Rental Program

The Authority developed this program of three bedroom rental units under the 1937 US Housing Act. A total of forty single family residences were built. Occupancy is strictly under a rental agreement. Income eligibility is required as specified by HUD. 

Low Income Housing Tax Credit Programs

The Authority has two LIHTC projects that are designed to provide housing assistance to low income residents meeting income eligibility requirements defined for Caddo County, Oklahoma. These income limits are somewhat lower than those of the national income limits used for HUD projects. The projects were secured by successful competitive proposals (applications) to the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency for an allocation of tax credits which would then be leveraged to investors at a cost to generate the revenue for development.Wichita Housing Limited Partnership #1is a rental program with an emphasis toward homeownership. Once the obligations have been met with OHFA and the investors (15 year compliance period on affordability) the renter will be given the right of first refusal to acquire the home outright.Wichita Housing Limited Partnership #2is a strictly rental project. It consists of townhouse apartments which will be in the perpetual inventory of the housing authority. Both LIHTC projects total 65 single family dwellings. 

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Grant

The Authority competed nationally under the Act for a $2,000,000 grant to construct new housing units. The effort was successful and provided the means necessary to pay off five duplex apartment building and construct 16 single family homes. The grant proposal identified the Authority desire to design newly built homes as a homeownership program. Construction costs varied by design of each unit. Subsequently, the Board determined an initial purchase cost that could be unilaterally applied for a combined amortization of the project and buildings. In the sense of the Mutual Help program the renters will be homebuyers and homeownership will be achieved upon successful completion of the program. 

The five duplex buildings provide ten two bedroom efficiency apartments that are strictly rental. These units were funded by funds from the ARRA grant, NAHASDA, and program revenue. Occupancy eligibility is based upon income eligibility. 

HUD Section 184 Home Loan Guarantee Program (tribal members)

The Authority initiated a home loan guarantee program in 2013. This relatively new approach to homeownership is directed towards Wichita tribal member households who are ineligible for the income based programs. Criteria includes income stability and sufficient income to demonstrate ability to pay market rate calculated payments, acceptable past three year rental history, no bankruptcy within three years, credit issues must be able to be resolved within five years. The Authority with partnership in a participating Section 184 lender prepare the renter occupant with acquiring an assumable loan directly with the lender following 60 months or earlier. Applicants are pre-screened to the underwriters prerequisites. 

 

Home PROGRAM:

The Home Duplex apartments were developed and constructed from a successful application that was submitted by the former Executive Director Benjamin Hatfield for HOME funds that were allocated from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA). HOME funds were allocated to Wichita Housing Authority for the construction of two duplex apartment buildings for a total of 4 units. Home Duplex apartments are efficiency designed single story two-bedroom apartments. Occupancy is based on HOME Income eligibility guidelines. Units are rental only.

 

National housing trust fund (NHTF) PROGRAM:

The National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) Program consists of two Duplex apartments and one 2-bedroom ADA wheelchair accessible unit. These units were developed and constructed from a successful application that was submitted for NHTF funds that were allocated from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA). NHTF funds were allocated to Wichita Housing Authority for the construction of these units. The NHTF Duplex apartments and 2-bedroom unit are efficiency designed. Occupancy is based on NHTF Income eligibility guidelines. Units are rental only.

 

Iscani Community Pool & Aquatic Center

The Authority developed the Iscani Pool as an amenity to the 40 units LIHTC project. The pool is licensed by the State of Oklahoma. Aquatic programs include many defined water aerobic classes, learning to swim, pool parties and general swimming. Tenants are allowed to swim at no cost and non tenants are charged admission.

Iscani Community Center and Gymnasium

The gymnasium is high school full court specific. It is equipped with full media capability for seminars, tribal meeting, training, dances, etc. A Use Agreement application must be submitted with a deposit for rental of the facility.

Board of Commissioners

Shirley Davilla, Chairperson

John Haddon, Vice Chairperson

Myles Stephenson, Secretary

Dallas Nimsey, Commissioner

Tara Tartsah, Treasurer

Staff

Jesse E. Jones, Executive Director

Darren Gabehart, Finance Director
Simona Foreman, Eligibility, Admissions and Occupancy Coordinator
Diane Pewo, Housing Administrative Assistant

 

Office Hours

8am - 5pm

Phone: 405/247-7470  405/247-7473
Fax: 405/247-6534