Funds are available to assist eligible Cherokee Nation citizen households avoid displacement as a result of financial hardship occurring after January 21, 2020 due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds may be used to pay mortgage payments, past due property taxes, delinquent homeowner insurance premiums, or other liens or fees that could displace the homeowner. Eligibility criteria is below:

·        Head of household or cohabitating partner must be a Cherokee Nation citizen; exceptions may be allowed if a dependent person(s) is the only Cherokee Nation citizen residing in the household at the discretion of the Executive Director or their designee

·        Home must be owned by the head of household, their spouse or their cohabitating partner

·        Home must be located in a county covered in whole or part by the Cherokee Nation reservation

·        Household income must not exceed 100% of the National Median Income or 150% of the Area Median Income, whichever is greater, as established by HUD. Income limits can be found here: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/haf-il.html

·        The household must have experienced a financial hardship related directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic after January 21, 2020

·        The home must be the applicant’s primary residence

·        A soft second mortgage will be placed on the home; if the home is not used as a primary residence a prorated payback will be required

·        Homeowner Assistance Fund applicants must participate in at least one financial assessment session with a Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation staff member to ensure housing stability