TRIBAL PROGRAM NEWS
Fund-Raising for
Elders Continues
Another New Program for Tribal Members
by Tammy Wagner
Back in April 1999, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon applied for a
grant from HUD. The grant provides rental assistance for TANF (Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families) clients who show a critical housing need that is a barrier for retaining
employment.
Statistics show that a lack of affordable housing is a barrier to employment and self-
sufficiency. Ten percent of households currently receiving TANF assistance or who received
TANF assistance in the past two years had achieved self-sufficiency, but returned to TANF
assistance when they lost affordable housing or related services (child care, medical
assistance, etc.).
The purpose of this article is to let CTSI tribal members know about the Welfare to
Work Voucher Program and its eligibility requirements. The Welfare to Work Voucher
Program is a joint effort of the TANF Program and the Siletz Indian Housing Authority
Section 8 Program. We currently have 32 vouchers available for TANF clients.
I have begun fund raising for the Elders
Emergency Repair Fund again. The nex
activity will be a silent auction. This will take
place at the Fifth National Tribal Conference
on Environmental Management at Chinook
Winds Casino in May. Tables will be set up
in the vendors’ area with items donated by
tribal members, families, and staff. If you
would like to donate an item, please contact
me at 1-800-922-1399, ext. 322, or
541 -444-8322. You may drop items off at the
Siletz Indian Housing Authority.
Coming Up
I’m working to secure donations for an
employee lunch in the CTSI administration
building lunchroom. I have requested two
party subs from Subway. I’ll let you know
when this will occur.
We are planning to have a food booth
at the pow-wow again. I will work on getting
as many food items donated as I can. Elena
Bassett, the new executive director for
SI HA, is already working on getting corn on
the cob for us. This was a big success last
year. Even with the mistakes we made, we
still made a profit. It was a lot of work, but it
brought out the true spirit of teamwork.
Easter Pie Sale
I apologize for not having the pie sale
this Easter like I had mentioned before.
Unfortunately, there were too many other
things going on. My mom, who was the main
pie maker, has been ill and had surgery twice
in April. Mom is still trying to teach me how
to make pie crust just like hers. I hope that
someday I will be as good as she is. I can’t
seem to keep it off the rolling pin. I really
hope we can have another pie sale for
Thanksgiving and make it an annual event.
I also hope to get other items to raffle
off at different times. I would like to fund raise
throughout the year for different holidays. If
anyone has any ideas for fund raising,
please let me know. I can be reached at
1 -800-922-1399, ext. 322, or 541-444-8322.
If I am unavailable, please leave a message.
Community Service
Stamps
The board for community stamps is still
up at JC Market in Toledo. I’ve noticed that it
has taken an awfully long time to fill up the
second card.
Have a great month.
8
by Tammy Wagner
Eligibility Criteria
Families must be eligible to receive, are currently receiving, or have received services
funded by the TANF Program within the preceding 24 months.
Families must meet the Siletz Indian Housing Authority’s Section 8 eligibility guidelines.
Section 8 Voucher Program assistance must be determined to be critical to the family’s
ability to successfully obtain or retain employment.
You must be on the Siletz Indian Housing Authority Section 8 waiting list or the Welfare
to Work Voucher Program waiting list.
You must not already be receiving assistance from the Section 8 Program.
Benefits
Eligible families can access rental assistance.
Eligible families can access case management services.
Eligible families can receive help to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency.
Scholarships of $50 are available when clients achieve the stable level in any area of
the Family Self-Sufficiency Matrix. The money can be used for anything relating to
housing, such as furniture, yard work, home energy, appliances, etc.
> Families can remain on the Welfare to Work Voucher Program up to 24 months, as
long as they follow the guidelines for the TANF Program to obtain self-sufficiency’
>■ Families can obtain and retain employment that will support them and keep them
permanently self-sufficient.
How and Where to Apply
If you are currently on TANF or have received TANF in the last 24 months, please
contact Patricia Puma, resident services coordinator at the Siletz Indian Housing Authority,
to obtain a Welfare to Work Voucher Program application. You can reach Puma at
541-444-2532 or at 1-800-922-1399. You also can get an application at the Siletz Indian
Housing Authority office at 555 Tolowa Court in Siletz or at your local area office.
If you are not currently on TANF but think you may be eligible, please contact a TANF
staff member at your area office:
Siletz - Valerie Hibdon or Linda Rilatos, 541 -444-2532 or 1 -800-922-1399
Salem - Randy Butler or Ticey Casey, 503-390-9494
Portland - Mike Ball or Angela Ramirez, 503-238-1512
Eugene - Laurel Bowser or Laurie Brown-Godfrey, 541-484-4234
After you have been placed on TANF, contact the Siletz Indian Housing Authority to
apply for the Welfare to Work Voucher Program.