New homes, new hopes for Tulalip tribal members
Published on Wed, Mar 10, 2010 by Beckye RandallRead More Local News
Nearly 16 months ago, five families came together at a ceremony for a project that broke new ground in both practical and philosophical ways.
The families were participants in a self-help housing program, the first of its kind on tribal land in Washington State. A partnership forged between the nonprofit organization Housing Hope and the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing program offered the foundation that would allow these Tulalip tribal members to help build their own homes on wooded lots in the Mission Highlands development off Turk Road.
On Thursday, March 4, the homebuilders gathered at the front doors of their new homes, along with friends, family members, tribal leaders and government officials, to receive the keys to their dreams.
Rebecca and William Hunter, James "Snooks" and Shelly Yant, Kevin and Jennifer Johnson, Marvin Jones, and Gene and Anna Wysocki proudly accepted the keys and certificates that chronicled their accomplishments. The five families worked together to build the cozy ramblers, knowing that none of them could move in until all the homes were completed.
The five rambler-style homes share some similarities while reflecting the owners' diverse personalities. With three or four bedrooms, spacious storage areas, cozy wood stoves and efficient kitchens, the new homes offer warm, friendly spaces for those who will inhabit them. Some of the design choices also showcase the owners' passions-like the exterior paint on the Yant home, which matches the colors of the Dallas Cowboys football team.
Shelly Yant, whose husband James was unable to attend the key ceremony, credited him with doing the lion's share of the work. "He was out here most of the time," said Yant, "but we also had the help of a lot of volunteers. We have to thank all the people who helped, because it wouldn't have been possible without them."
Tulalip singers offered a song of blessing to begin the ceremony, followed by a family song about "things in our culture that give us strength," according to Glen Gobin, a member of the Tulalip Board of Directors.
Tribal chairman Mel Sheldon noted that "dreams do come true when people come together."
Ed Petersen of Housing Hope echoed that sentiment. "This is the 27th ceremony of this type since Housing Hope began," he said. "These five homebuilders represent families number 210 through 214, and these homes will shelter nine adults and 12 children."
The building process was not without its hardships, as Petersen noted that the construction took place over two winters and volunteers worked through two feet of snow. "They met every obstacle along the way," he said.
Dedicated volunteers worked with the homeowners daily, and Petersen recognized the valuable contributions of workers from AmeriCorps, Snohomish County YouthBuild and the U.S. Navy.
Housing Hope received its first USDA grant to fund self-help housing in 1992. Petersen announced that the agency had recently been approved for a new two-year grant to continue its work.
"But it's more than loans and grants," said USDA's Washington State Director Mario Villanueva. "It's about destiny. It's about looking at what's right with our country and making history today. These projects happen because society believes this is an important outcome for families."
Jennifer Johnson, speaking on behalf of the builder families, provided a stirring example of community strength.
"I have lived in tribal rental housing for 15 years," said Johnson. "My whole house could fit into the living room and dining room of this new home. This has been the most rewarding experience in my life, and it wouldn't have happened without the help of friends and family, and even strangers who offered their time."
Johnson singled out Paul Willis, a man who volunteered countless hours on all the homes and was especially helpful in tackling work on the roofs. She presented Willis with a sweatshirt imprinted with "I am THE volunteer" and a certificate for a stay at the luxurious Tulalip Resort Casino.
"All I ever asked for was a sandwich," joked Willis, who was clearly touched by the show of gratitude.
The five families also presented a special Pendleton blanket to Toni Wiegand, a Housing Hope liaison who helped administer the project.
As keys were distributed and the gathering celebrated the accomplishments of the homebuilders, Sheldon reminded them of their new responsibilities.
"You are all role models," said the chairman, "you are all leaders. People will ask you how you did this. Be proud of what you've achieved and help others reach their own goals."
The families were participants in a self-help housing program, the first of its kind on tribal land in Washington State. A partnership forged between the nonprofit organization Housing Hope and the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing program offered the foundation that would allow these Tulalip tribal members to help build their own homes on wooded lots in the Mission Highlands development off Turk Road.
On Thursday, March 4, the homebuilders gathered at the front doors of their new homes, along with friends, family members, tribal leaders and government officials, to receive the keys to their dreams.
Rebecca and William Hunter, James "Snooks" and Shelly Yant, Kevin and Jennifer Johnson, Marvin Jones, and Gene and Anna Wysocki proudly accepted the keys and certificates that chronicled their accomplishments. The five families worked together to build the cozy ramblers, knowing that none of them could move in until all the homes were completed.
The five rambler-style homes share some similarities while reflecting the owners' diverse personalities. With three or four bedrooms, spacious storage areas, cozy wood stoves and efficient kitchens, the new homes offer warm, friendly spaces for those who will inhabit them. Some of the design choices also showcase the owners' passions-like the exterior paint on the Yant home, which matches the colors of the Dallas Cowboys football team.
Shelly Yant, whose husband James was unable to attend the key ceremony, credited him with doing the lion's share of the work. "He was out here most of the time," said Yant, "but we also had the help of a lot of volunteers. We have to thank all the people who helped, because it wouldn't have been possible without them."
Tulalip singers offered a song of blessing to begin the ceremony, followed by a family song about "things in our culture that give us strength," according to Glen Gobin, a member of the Tulalip Board of Directors.
Tribal chairman Mel Sheldon noted that "dreams do come true when people come together."
Ed Petersen of Housing Hope echoed that sentiment. "This is the 27th ceremony of this type since Housing Hope began," he said. "These five homebuilders represent families number 210 through 214, and these homes will shelter nine adults and 12 children."
The building process was not without its hardships, as Petersen noted that the construction took place over two winters and volunteers worked through two feet of snow. "They met every obstacle along the way," he said.
Dedicated volunteers worked with the homeowners daily, and Petersen recognized the valuable contributions of workers from AmeriCorps, Snohomish County YouthBuild and the U.S. Navy.
Housing Hope received its first USDA grant to fund self-help housing in 1992. Petersen announced that the agency had recently been approved for a new two-year grant to continue its work.
"But it's more than loans and grants," said USDA's Washington State Director Mario Villanueva. "It's about destiny. It's about looking at what's right with our country and making history today. These projects happen because society believes this is an important outcome for families."
Jennifer Johnson, speaking on behalf of the builder families, provided a stirring example of community strength.
"I have lived in tribal rental housing for 15 years," said Johnson. "My whole house could fit into the living room and dining room of this new home. This has been the most rewarding experience in my life, and it wouldn't have happened without the help of friends and family, and even strangers who offered their time."
Johnson singled out Paul Willis, a man who volunteered countless hours on all the homes and was especially helpful in tackling work on the roofs. She presented Willis with a sweatshirt imprinted with "I am THE volunteer" and a certificate for a stay at the luxurious Tulalip Resort Casino.
"All I ever asked for was a sandwich," joked Willis, who was clearly touched by the show of gratitude.
The five families also presented a special Pendleton blanket to Toni Wiegand, a Housing Hope liaison who helped administer the project.
As keys were distributed and the gathering celebrated the accomplishments of the homebuilders, Sheldon reminded them of their new responsibilities.
"You are all role models," said the chairman, "you are all leaders. People will ask you how you did this. Be proud of what you've achieved and help others reach their own goals."
blog comments powered by Disqus
