Housing

MELISSA BROWN Housing Coordinator
	Melissa was hired by the Tribe in the fall of 2000 to work on an Administration for Native American planning grant. Then in the summer of 2001 was named the Housing Coordinator. Since this time she has worked along with the Housing Committee to develop several programs including the Home Improvement, College Housing, Down Payment Assistant and Weatherization Program. Her duties also include managing the Indian Health Service water and sanitation program. Melissa's office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
	Phone:	(616) 681-9510 ext. 344
	Toll Free:	(866) 681-9510
	Fax:	(616) 681-9520
	Address:	PO Box 218 Dorr, MI 49323

DAWN LENGER Housing Assistant
	In August 2009, Dawn Lenger became the Assistant to Melissa Brown, Housing Director.  From October 2007 until August 2009, Dawn served as the Tribal Justice Grant Coordinator overseeing the Tribal Court Assistance Program Grant pertaining to the research and development of a Tribal Court.  Prior to that position, Dawn was the Executive Assistant to John Shagonaby in the Development Office from March 2004 – October 2007.  Before beginning her work with the Tribe, Dawn was the Police Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police with the Hudsonville Police Department for several years.  Dawn brings many years of experience to her position and enjoys being able to help those around her through the skills and experience she has gained over the years. In 2000, Dawn and her five children were accepted as members of the Tribe.  Her tribal family is very important to her and is honored to serve the Tribe in any capacity.  She has learned much about her heritage since becoming a member but realizes that there is still so much more to learn.  Dawn is excited about the Tribe’s future through increased programs and services that will be available to the tribal community.
	Phone:	(616) 681-9510 ext. 339
	Toll Free:	(866) 681-9510
	Fax:	(616) 681-9520
	Address:	PO Box 218 Dorr, MI 49323

THE MISSION OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT
To serve the Gun Lake Tribe with Housing opportunities that will promote and honor the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish culture, safety & self sufficiency in the families that we service.

HOUSING COMMITTEE
A three-person committee, appointed by the Chairman, makes all decisions regarding participation. The Housing Coordinator and Housing Committee participate in training sessions as needed or available. The committee does not have regularly scheduled meetings times, but rather meets as necessary. The Housing Committee is Dawn Lenger, Coleen Nessner and Frank Sprague.

Click here for Newsletter Archive (Housing Articles)

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Home Improvement – This Home Improvement Program is designed to assist Tribal members who own a home that requires health and safety related repairs. A licensed inspector will tour your house and make a list of all recommended repairs. The committee then reviews the inspection checklist and produces an approved work list. Licensed contractors are contracted to perform all work and a final inspection is done to guarantee that all repairs are completed to satisfy local code, the inspector and the Housing Committee.

Click here for Home Improvement Application Package

Click here for Home Improvement Policies & Procedures

College Housing – The College Housing Program assists full time college students with rental assistance. The Housing Department performs inspections on all rentals prior to a student moving in to ensure standard living conditions. The student is responsible for maintaining a minimum 2.0 grade point average and twelve (12) credit hours. Students are eligible to receive up to $300 per month in rental assistance.

Click here for College Housing Application Package

Click here for College Housing Policies & Procedures

Down Payment Assistance – The Down Payment Assistance Program is designed to assist homeowners with costs associated with purchasing a home. All potential homeowners are required to participate in a homeownership class to become acquainted with the amount and in turn the Tribe contributes additional funds. Additional funds are available to members on a dollar per dollar match.

Click here for Down Payment Assistance Application Package

Click here for Down Payment Assistance Policies & Procedures

Rental Assistance - The Rental Assistance Program provides up to $250 per month in rental assistance to members who rent. Assistance is available for properties that have a lease and will not convert to homeownership; for example: apartment, house, duplex, lot rent for mobile homes, etc. An inspection of the properties is required prior to the delivery of assistance to ensure a safe and healthy place to live. Members are required to meet with Member Services Coordinator, Leah Fodor to assess future growth through education, vocational training, job advancement or job search. Members are also required to meet with Human Services Coordinator, Leslie Pigeon to match the member with any program that may potentially aid and resource planning.

Click here for Rental Assistance Application Package

Click here for Rental Assistance Policies & Procedures

Indian Health Services (IHS) Sanitation Program - The IHS Sanitation Program provides members with sanitation facilities including wells, septic systems and costs associated with connecting to community water supplies. Members who are building a new home are eligible to utilize services. Services are not available for day to day operation or maintenance of facilities. Eligibility is limited to the five county service area unless you live in another Tribe's service area and they are willing to complete the work. If you live outside the five county service area and would like to be considered by another Tribe, please contact Housing Director, Melissa Brown.

Click here for IHS Sanitation Application Package

WHO QUALIFIES FOR SERVICE?

• Gun Lake Tribe Members

• Any member residing in the five county service area. The service area includes the following counties; Allegan, Barry, Kalamazoo, Kent and Ottawa. Additional eligible counties apply to the College Housing and Down Payment Program.

• Anyone who has an annual household income, which does not exceed the applicable income limits. Income guidelines are listed below.

2010 Income Limits
For Allegan, Barry, Kent, Kalamazoo and Ottawa Counties:
1 Person: $36,050
2 Person: $41,200
3 Person: $46,350
4 Person: $51,500
5 Person: $55,600
6 Person: $59,750
7 Person: $63,850
8 Person: $68,000