TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation leaders along with residents of Autumn Woods joined together to cut the ribbon on the addition of new homes to the subdivision in Tahlequah on June 1.
Autumn Woods, a Cherokee Nation housing division that was built in the late 1980s, has seen many different construction projects over the years. Recently, the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation completed a $4.2 million project that adds 14 new homes to the subdivision, new utilities, stormwater management, and extensive site prep work. The subdivision has more than 30 homes overall.
In order to celebrate citizens already moving into the new homes, a block party, along with the ribbon cutting ceremony, was held Monday, June 1.
“We need affordable, safe homes for our Cherokee citizens across the reservation, because rent is too high, the housing stock is sparse, and hope for homeownership is too low,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “This administration is dedicated to making affordable housing accessible for Cherokee citizens, especially low-income families, elders, and the most vulnerable of our nation.”
The funding for this project came from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant that was received during the COVID-19 pandemic with supplemental funding from the tribe’s Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act.
"Today is a day of new beginnings and transformations. We have watched community after community be transformed in the Cherokee Nation. Our wish for the families of Autumn Woods is that they continue to grow, to enjoy their beautiful homes, lawns, and thrive in this safe space they have here to fellowship and build one another up," said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner.
Under the Hoskin/Warner administration’s landmark Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act, the tribe commits $40 million in tribal funds to housing and community facility infrastructure every three years into perpetuity, on top of federal housing dollars. HJSCA, first enacted in 2019, reauthorized in 2022 and amended in 2024, has fueled the largest housing investment in Cherokee Nation history.
"These are more than just houses. These are homes where families will make memories, build their future, and create opportunities for generations to come. On behalf of the Council of the Cherokee Nation, I am proud to support the work and many housing projects across our reservation. Thank you to the Cherokee Nation Housing Authority, our partners, and everyone who helped make this day possible," said District 3 Councilor Lisa Hall.
This project developed nine acres in the subdivision. The 14 new homes are all 1650 square-feet, three bed, two bath with two-car garages. The exterior is brick wainscot with painted lap siding. There are storm shelters in the master bedroom closets, luxury vinyl plank floors throughout, tiled tubs and shower surrounds. Each home also received a generator hook up.
The homes are provided under the New Construction Homeownership Program and each homebuyer is offered a lease-to-own contract with a monthly payment of $600. The payment covers the lease, property taxes and property insurance on the home.
Martha Catron from Stilwell is one of the new residents at Autumn Woods. She is 52 years old and said she never expected to own a home as big and beautiful as her new forever home. She has been renting a smaller place in Tahlequah for $850 a month.
“I walked in, and I just wanted to cry, I am so happy. This place is perfect for me. Now I’m paying rent I can afford, and its going towards homeownership. I never thought I’d be a homeowner before,” said Catron.
Catron already has plans to add a patio in the backyard for grilling, a screen door in the front, and other home decorations to make the place her own.
“The hallways are wide, which means this place is wheelchair accessible, which I might need eventually. The neighbors I’ve met are nice. We’re all going to grow old together here and I think we will be like a family,” she said.
Catron comes from a big family of ten and said she looks forward to hosting gatherings for her brothers and sisters.
“I’m learning to do life all over again, and moving in here has been the best part of my life,” said Catron, who shared that she was in a car wreck and suffered a traumatic brain injury. She said moving here is a fresh start to build new, beautiful memories. “My family, too, is beyond joyed for me. We are thankful to the Cherokee Nation and housing authority for making this dream possible.”
Kimberly Masters and Dustin Sanders, a couple with two young kids and two dogs just moved to Autumn Woods.
“We picked the kids up early from school to let them come see the new house. They are so excited,” said Masters. “They’ve really modernized the place with the color scheme and the vinyl. It’s wonderful.”
The homes were designed by Blue River Architects and Wallace Engineering. Construction was completed by Harris Contractors.