Application dates are fast approaching for Cook Inlet Housing Authority's new Strawberry Village Cottages: the first ever "rent-to-own" affordable housing development in the greater Anchorage area.

Strawberry Village Cottages, a new concept in affordable housing, represents Cook Inlet Housing Authority's first venture into family rental housing. The Housing Authority intends to put a new face on affordable housing by moving away from the high density, multi-family model, and rising to an unprecedented level of quality.

Construction of the project is well underway. The first 20 homes of the 60-unit project are scheduled to be ready for occupancy on September 1. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis beginning July 9. "We're building more than just affordable housing," says CIHA President/CEO Carol Gore. "We're helping to build a community, and we intend to be good neighbors."

According to Jeff Judd, CIHA director of operations and asset management, interest in the project has been very high and anyone interested in applying to live in one of the new homes should contact Cook Inlet Housing Authority as soon as possible. Applicants will need to provide verification of all sources of income and three months of bank statements just to get started. Then credit history will be reviewed and personal as well as rental references will be checked. Call (907) 276-8822 for more information.

Cook Inlet Tribal Council Unveils New Website

Cook Inlet Tribal Council has unveiled a new website to provide greater access to information about the agency and its services. Shareholders can view the site at www.citci.com for a look at Cook Inlet Tribal Council's most recent service innovations.

The new website provides updated contact information for all of Cook Inlet Tribal Council's programs and departments. Clients will also have easy access to applications such as the Youth Employment Services Program Application, and may download Tribal Higher Education applications for scholarships and training grants. Another highlight of the new website is its up-to-date listings of Cook Inlet Tribal Council's career opportunities and how to apply for positions, as well as online publications and newsletters. The website provides several links to other CIRI non-profit organizations as well as other related organizations. Stop by and visit with Cook Inlet Tribal Council in cyberspace and let them know what you think about the new site by emailing citci@citci.com.

Summer Hires More Than Double ANHC Staff

The Alaska Native Heritage Center has hired 50 summer employees for the 2002 visitor season with a 96 percent Alaska Native hire rate. New summer hires completed an extensive two-week training and orientation course in all Alaska Native cultures, supplemental information about the Center's annual theme program Our Healing Ways, as well as specific tasks and skills for each job assignment.

"As most businesses can attest, it is difficult to recruit, hire and train a large seasonal workforce," said Margaret Nelson, Heritage Center president and chief executive officer. "We are fortunate to have more than half of our seasonal staff returning from last year. This has given us a tremendous advantage in preparing for the visitor season."

"When I first came here it was because I needed a job," said Jessica Alex. "After training started I really got into it." Alex's father, a CIRI and Eklutna, Inc. shareholder, always encouraged her to be proud of her Athabascan heritage, but she felt she didn't know much about it. "I've learned so much here, and I hope I can change some of the stereotypes and misconceptions about Native people."

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is an independent, non-profit organization open year-round as a gathering place to celebrate, perpetuate and share Alaska Native cultures; it is a place for all people. For information about events, programs and facilities, visit www.alaskanative.net.

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