The Nels and the Martins moved into new HUD houses in Togiak, on lots provided by the village corporation. BIA and regional housing authorities are trying to make it cheaper and easier for qualified individuals to own homes in Alaska.
Last week in Togiak, two couples moved into their new HUD houses. They were the first in the state to take advantage of down payment assistance program from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. With that, the Martins and the Nicks will have roughly half the mortgage payment to make, and took deed to their homes on day one. KDLG’s Dave Bendinger was there as they moved in Wednesday.
"Well hallelujah, I'm so happy!" Laura Martin called out, to chuckles and applause. “I want to cry … wow!”
It was a sunny Wednesday in late August as she and her husband Nels stood for pictures as a set of keys was handed over for their new home. All on hand shuffled inside to tour the new HUD house, unfurnished but complete with new appliances and a spectacular view across a meadow to the hills. It was built to 6 star energy efficiency, meaning it’s tight, warm, and has LED lighting throughout. As her first guests filed out a bit later, Laura Martin was so excited her words got away from her a bit.
"Today is the happiest days of my moment," she said. "To get a brand new house. I feel like I’m very blessed. And thank you for BBHA and BIA for helping me out.”
Brenda Akelkok is the executive director of the Bristol Bay Housing Authority, and was admittedly a little emotional also as the Martins and the Nicks stepped into their new homes.
"Well it’s the first time in the state of Alaska that the BIA Housing Improvement Program Down Payment Assistant Program has been used by a family," she said.
New regulations were passed in Congress last December allowing the Bureau of Indian Affairs to work closer with tribes and regional housing authorities to make what Akelkok called a "wonderful new program" possible.
"The Bureau of Indian Affairs provided $75,000 as a down payment for each family," she explained. "Because of that, they were able to qualify for a mortgage through Bristol Bay Housing Authority. They get the deed for their home right up front, instead of waiting 15 years of making payments in the old lease-to-own program. So we’re very proud of Togiak and these two families."
With that down payment, the 15 year mortgage price was dropped from $300 a month to $172. Of course, working through two programs meant a mountain of paperwork, and Akelkok commended the two families for sticking through the process.
In her house just next door, Sophie Nick checked the space and the amenities. There's a gun safe, a propane stove, cold well water, and two sources of heat, including an oil drip stove in the living room that will add some ambiance.
These homes cost roughly $400,000 to build in Bristol Bay, but the Housing Authority says they are easy to maintain and built to last.
Nick says she and her husband John had waited in line for a HUD home for years. On Wednesday the couple had the deed to their new home in hand and, a manageable mortgage, and an excited outlook for the years ahead. All that was left to do Wednesday was start moving in the furniture.
"I’m happy about it. I’ve been praying about it. I applied for the housing for how many years? And finally approved," she said.
