SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) recently contributed more than $1.5 million to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde (CTGR) to fund the construction of six new homes at the Tipsu-ili'I development.

Kyle Rowe is one of the new homeowners who recently moved into the neighborhood. “As a Tribal member I grew up away from the Reservation,” Rowe said. “Being here represents much more than a smart financial decision. Living here allows me and my family to connect with the community and our Tribal culture in a whole new way.”

The six three- and four-bedroom modular homes are solar ready and provide opportunities for Tribal members working in Tribal Government, at Spirit Mountain Casino, or within the greater Grand Ronde/West Valley area to live in their Tribal community.

“This progress is momentous. These investments will help ensure Tribal Nations have more reliable resources to pursue social and economic mobility through homeownership,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “As a government agency, we have a responsibility to do our part in addressing systemic decisions that created harm. Today represents that commitment in action.”

A multi-phased project, the Tipsu-ili'I subdivision contains 52 lots in Grand Ronde. Under this first phase of the development, 20 homes were built and sold to Tribal members. Phase two will consist of 32 lots still to be developed. The sales revenue from homes that are sold is directly reinvested back into the project.

“As a Tribe, projects like Tipsu-ili’l allow us to support our Tribal members and their families by bringing affordable homeownership options to the Reservation,” said Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.