What started as an idea during COVID-19 has finally become a reality for the Seneca-Cayuga Nation: a place for members to call home in times of need. That’s exactly what Housing Administrator Michelle Morris hoped would happen when they took on the tiny homes project as the pandemic first arrived on the scene.
The first step in creating this housing project was applying for the grant, which was highly competitive. After the grant was awarded, construction was started to build affordable housing, in the form of eight tiny homes. “Our original intent was for members who needed a place to quarantine from COVID, or may have came upon hard times during the pandemic to have a temporary place to shelter,” said Morris.
The final result was eight houses, each a quaint 800 square feet in size, complete with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and dining area, and a utility room, all outfitted with appliances, furniture, and other essential items. The addition of the eight tiny homes increased the total housing managed by the tribe to 12 houses that are fair market rentals and 9 income-based houses — currently, of the 21 units under tribal management, 14 are occupied by SCN members and one by a Cherokee tribal member.
The grant used for the construction of our tiny homes was originally intended for COVID-related housing in 2021. However, with COVID impacts now fading, the tribe has identified a new purpose for these homes with new tenants having moved in at the beginning of this year—primarily elders, disabled tribal members, and veterans.
“Our tiny homes are an attractive option for our elder community,” Michelle continued. “The square footage of the homes is not too much to keep up with or navigate, and the tenants are near the tribal services they rely upon for quality of life. Additionally, while we are able to effectively serve the needs of these tenants, we do keep one or two of these homes available for temporary use for members of our tribe who experience emergencies, hardship, or displacement.”
While the construction of the Seneca-Cayuga tiny homes is a resounding achievement, the creation of an accessible affordably housing inventory is not without challenge. “The biggest challenges I see are money and time,” said Amy Nuckolls, Housing Chairman. “Members are ready for this change that is happening within our nation, and we can all feel a little impatient.”
Those challenges continue to rear their heads, even now that the houses are built and occupied. “Our plan is to develop more homes,” continues Michelle. “We want to keep building places for families that need somewhere to live, and we’re applying for grants for infrastructure. It’s difficult to build with the limited money we have, but the existing build is proof it can be done.”
According to Amy, only about half of the project has been completed, and another grant is in the works to begin work on the next block of homes . “We had envisioned a village-type living there – a place where our elders can be safe in their own homes and become a family,” she explains. “The end goal would be another block consisting of four more tiny homes and several duplexes, all surrounded by a park area with walking trails so it is an area our elders can thrive.”
Of course, it’s impossible for those in our tribe and in the housing department not to look beyond the near future, too. “My hope in five to ten years is to truly bring pride back to the Seneca-Cayuga Nation Housing Program,” Amy says hopefully. Currently, the tiny homes are all occupied, but anyone is encouraged to apply on the website or stop into the office for a paper application. In the meantime, Michelle and Amy are working hard on submitting more grants, with a glimmer of expansion on the horizon.
If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more, you can find more information on our website.