That money will be used to build 18 rental units over a five-year period on a site north of Interstate 40.
Called Willow Arbor Estates, the 18 units will use “Smart Home” technology. That will allow residents to have computerized access to transportation, meal deliveries, security, medical and other services at their fingertips.
“We will have ‘Golden Girls’ suites where four elders will live in each home with shared common areas and a private bedroom, bathroom and patio,” said Thlopthlocco housing director Ardeena Angelo.
Thlopthlocco Tribal Town king Ryan Morrow said the housing is badly needed.
“Access to decent housing is extremely limited with 87% of our tribal members in Okfuskee and Hughes County at or below poverty and over 60% of grandparents are raising grandchildren. The project is a tremendous boost to our community and will provide much needed safe and affordable housing to our tribal members, especially our elders and grandparents raising grandchildren”.
Work on the project is going to start this month. The Thlopthlocco grant was one of 52 awarded by HUD out of 200 applications.
Over the past three years, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town has constructed a community center and wellness center on that property. It is located near the Interstate and U.S. 62 intersection.
