Four new affordable duplexes in Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it (Tobacco Plains Band) have welcomed residents back to the community.
Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) officials say the newly finished development will help relieve some of the community’s struggles with overcrowding, inadequate housing and homelessness.
“These homes are ideal for our members wanting to return home to be connected to their community, their family, their land,” said Nasuʔkin (Chief) Heidi Gravelle.
“Having accessible units is integral for increasing the quality of life for our people.”
The duplexes feature a two-bedroom design with a focus on comfort and accessibility for single occupants or small families.
Each unit is equipped with solar arrays, heat recovery ventilators (HRV), and heat pumps to emphasize energy efficiency.
Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it’s housing and maintenance staff were trained on operating and maintaining the homes to keep operations within the community.
“This knowledge can be passed along to occupants,” said Chelsea Gray, the First Nation’s Housing and Infrastructure Manager.
“It ensures tenant-related maintenance is completed while reducing costly contractor call-outs.”
The Columbia Basin Trust and other funders provided grants to get the new homes built, with CBT handing over $880,000 towards the project.
“The Trust listens to our needs, wants and desires so that they can be part of the solution. They believe in contributing to help change the quality of life for our people. That means a lot,” said Gravelle.
Gravelle says Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it is looking to expand into net-zero homes and designing units for larger families as part of their work to provide residents with quality affordable housing.
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