In the News

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Monday, July 21, 2008 - 11:57 AM MDT - ( New Mexico Business Weekly )

Mescalero Apache tribe building vitally needed housing

The Mescalero Apache Tribe and the Mescalero Apache Housing Authority have broken ground on a 30-unit, green single-family subdivision for very low-income families. The homes are the first to be built in 10 years on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation, about 30 miles northeast of Alamogordo in south-central New Mexico.

The subdivision was named I-Sah'-din'-dii, which means "drumbeat" in Apache. Mescalero faces a housing crisis, with severe overcrowding and 265 families on a housing waiting list.

The project's green features include rainwater collection, energy-efficient windows, doors and appliances, low-impact building materials, and solar placement.

"Building green is a major part of the tribe's commitment to provide quality, sustainable, affordable homes for Mescalero Apache families," said Carlton Naiche-Palmer, the tribe's president.

The subdivision will have a community center and childcare, employment and health services.

The architect is Atkin Olshin Schade Architects , and the contractor is Pavilion Construction .

The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority provided tax credits and other funds for the project, and the tribe allocated funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Native American Programs.

"This project is a wonderful example of how truly sustainable housing can be built on New Mexico's tribal lands," said Lt. Gov. Diane Denish. "By using the MFA's Green Guidelines for the design ... and with the Mescalero Apache Housing Authority's extensive resident services program, 30 low-income families can afford to live in healthy homes and obtain critical support services."