Earning deeds to homes a dream come true for Utes

Earning deeds to homes a dream come true for Utes

Sept. 9, 2000

By Jim Mimiaga
Journal Staff Writer

During a Housing Authority ceremony in Towaoc Friday morning, 50 Ute Mountain Ute tribal members realized the ultimate American dream — they paid off their homes.

"It feels good after all of these years to have it finally paid for," said Elyne Cantsee of her home in White Mesa. "It’s hard, but you have to do it. It would be nice for all tribal members to own their homes."

Amidst Ute blessing prayers and plans for providing more homes for the community, tribal leaders along with members of the Housing and Urban Development office officially conveyed the title deeds for homes originally financed by the federal organization in 1973.

AARON EYETOO, 35, stands at his HUD home in Towaoc. He first signed up for the chance to finance his own home under the affordable-housing program when he was just 13, finally obtaining the chance two years ago. He lives in the three-bedroom home with his wife, Judy, and their children, Aarion and Shentell.

"I’ve been to a number of Indian reservations, but none with the vitality and growth seen here," said Joe Garcia, undersecretary for the Denver HUD office. "We bring money to the table for affordable housing, but what is more important is the commitment made by this community — dedication represented by the conveyance of these 50 homes today."

The day began with the ribbon-cutting for the grand opening at the Ute Mountain Head Start building, built partially thanks to funding from HUD. Garcia touted that accomplishment as an important investment for Indian country.

"Typically kids leave home to go to school, with the new Head Start building that is reversed," he said. "Instead of taking kids away from the community, establishing schools locally will bring education to them. You are doing an outstanding job."

Since HUD assistance began in the early 1970s, some 270 homes have been constructed in Towaoc and White Mesa. Created to help struggling communities afford housing, the HUD payments are based on 15 percent of the family’s gross income, with the remainder subsidized by HUD.

Ute officials said there are between 90 and 100 tribal members still seeking the chance to buy homes they can afford.

More are on the way, said Benny Cordova, development director for the Ute Housing Authority. He said that 15 more houses are being constructed now, five in White Mesa, and 10 more planned for Towaoc.

"We build ranch-style homes in three different models," Cordova said. "The ones today were the first ones built. It’s is a proud day for these people and our office."

The tribe is negotiating to purchase 40 modular homes for tribal members from a company in Utah. They have set aside $1 million for future home development.

"We will always need more homes for the young families that are coming up," said Art Cuthair, tribal councilman.