Winnebago, Neb. (KTIV) -
It's the reason why housing developments are scarce on Native American reservations, tribal members have a hard time getting loans to build on federally-owned land. Often times they leave the reservation or get stuck in federal housing.
But now, a new program in Winnebago, Nebraska is helping turn dreams into realities and building a future on the reservation.
When Winnebago tribal member John Berridge Jr. graduated in 2003, the reservation was the last place he wanted to live.
"Winnebago wasn't the best place where you wanted to raise your children," said Berridge.
But now, he's proud to stand in his new home on reservation land. "We have three bedrooms up stairs, three down, we'll finish the basement," he said. "I'm now building my house to raise my family here."
Berridge is here because he got a $50 thousand down payment from the Winnebago $1 Million Housing Stimulus Program.
"We're extremely proud of this program because it really offers a hand up to our community members," said Lance Morgan President and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc.
The program runs off a million dollars from Ho-Chunk Inc. Winnebago families, like John's, apply and can get a 50-grand boost to build. But, to qualify, they need the means to pay for the rest of the house on their own.
"You have to have a stable income and be able to get the financing for the remainder of the amount. This is not a give-a-way program. It's sort of a hand up instead of a hand out," said Morgan.
In its two years, 10 families have been helped, with many more enrolled. The program has been so successful, they've added another $300 thousand to extend it for, possibly, another year.
"Very excited, we won't have to pay for half our house," said Berridge.
Morgan says once the Housing Stimulus Program is complete, they hope to have helped more than 25 tribal families build on the Winnebago reservation.
