Ketchikan Indian Community Housing Authority (KICHA)
It is our mission to provide safe, sanitary and affordable housing for tribal members and members of the Native community, to promote responsible home ownership and to develop new housing projects and programs based upon the needs of our community.
Housing Authority Contact Information:
Housing Director - Joel Azure
Housing Contact number: 907-228-5218
For all of KICHA NAHASDA programs the following income guidelines must be met.
KICHA Maximum Annual Household Income (80% of Median Income)
NAHASDA Income Limits: Ketchikan Gateway Borough
These limits are revised annually
1 Person |
2 People |
3 People |
4 People |
5 People |
6 People |
7 People |
8 People |
43,100 |
49,300 |
55,450 |
61,600 |
66,550 |
71,450 |
76,400 |
81,300 |
Total annual gross income must be counted from all persons living in the home. This includes non-taxable and permanent fund dividend checks.
Elder Rehabilitation Grant:
The goal of the Elder Rehabilitation Grant is to assist elders who meet certain income guidelines and are otherwise unable to afford home repairs. KICHA will assist in needed home rehabilitations by funding the actual amount of the repair, not to exceed a $5,000 limit. In events where the needed repairs exceed the $5,000 grant amount, you as a homeowner will be responsible for all costs above $5,000.
Eligible home repairs consist of work to restore heat, water, or sanitation services to the household or essential improvements for elder specific needs (i.e. grab rails, etc.) Structural work to homes beyond what is needed for restoration of the above mentioned services will not be eligible; this includes windows, doors and roof replacements or repairs. Examples of eligible repairs would be:
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The failure of a furnace or water heater, water supply, electrical, installation of grab rails, ramps, handicapped bathrooms access etc.
You must show proof of ownership and reside on the premises. Ownership of mobile homes must be established by a DMV title to the mobile home.
Emergency Rehabilitation Grant:
The goal of the Emergency Rehabilitation Grant is to assist homeowners who meet certain income guidelines and are otherwise unable to afford needed home repairs. In events where the needed repairs exceed the $5,000 grant amount, you as a homeowner will be responsible for all costs above $5,000.
Eligible home repairs consist of work to restore heat, water, or sanitation services to the household. Structural work to homes beyond what is needed for the restoration of the above mentioned services will not be eligible.
Once the completed application is received and the KICHA staff inspect your property and determine if the project qualifies for the program, they will assemble contractor bids for the work, a contractor will be selected to perform the work. You will be contacted that your project has been approved and asked to enter into a Letter of Understanding.
You must show proof of ownership and reside on the premises. Ownership of mobile homes must be established by a DMV title to the mobile home.
College Student Housing Program:
The College Student Housing program provides temporary financial assistance for eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives. With limited funds and units available, this program is not designed to be an entitlement program or emergency service program. The program is funded by a grant for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by KICHA staff, following specific federal rules and regulations.
Eligibility requirements included:
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Alaska Native or American Indian
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Be a full-time student – signed up for a minimum of 12 credits and upon completion of the term have earned 12 credits
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Students must achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
The goal is to provide affordable housing for qualified full-time college students to assist their academic progress. Successful applicants are provided with a quality housing unit, with rental payments fully subsidized by KICHA. The tenant must pay for utilities.
KICHA will determine eligibility and inform the client through a letter of their eligibility status within 30 days of the completed application submittal.
Transitional Housing Program
The purpose of the Ketchikan Indian Community Transitional Housing program is to provide affordable housing for qualified families to become home-buyers by providing housing assistance, as well as utility payments for up to six (6) months provided Clients is in good standings. Clients are required to attend Budgeting Classes and a Home Choice class with Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. The program is limited to two (2) years of occupancy. A six (6) month lease will be entered into with review every six (6) months of financials and a home inspection will be done at that time in order to assure compliance of the program before entering into another six (6) month lease.
The Transitional Housing Program provides temporary financial assistance for eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives, with limited funds and units available. This is not designed to be an entitlement program or emergency service program. The program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and administered by KICHA staff, following specific federal rules and regulations.
Eligibility requirements include:
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Must be Alaska Native or American Indian
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Family income of less than the 80% of the median income
KICHA will determine eligibility and inform the client through a letter of their eligibility status within 30 days of the completed application submittal.
The KICHA housing program shall comply with all applicable regulations of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) of 1996 and shall be updated periodically to reflect compliance.
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794), no otherwise qualified individual with handicaps shall solely by reason of his or her handicap be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under this program.
Home Buy Down Assistance Program
The housing program is specifically designed to increase the availability of affordable housing by attacking barriers at several levels simultaneously:
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Credit- Pre-screening program applicants, seeking credit-worthy low and very low income homebuyers with a stability of income and a demonstrated ability and history of meeting financial obligations.
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Affordability- buying down the amount of the client selected home by up to $20,000.00 down, which the housing program holds as a Second Mortgage for 15 years.
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Support- Assisting credit worthy eligible applicants in successfully working through the process of making an application for a bank loan for the remainder of the purchase price of the selected home.
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Cash flow - Providing closing costs up to $2,000.
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An additional $2,000 down payment will be the responsibility of the buyer.
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Counseling- assisting the new homeowners to understand and appreciate responsibilities of home ownership.
Should the homeowner sell the property within the first five years, the Housing Program will recover 100% of the 2nd Mortgage plus interest (4% minimum) amount as part of any sales transaction. Sale of the property between the fifth and final year of their note would result in a diminishing portion of repayment of the 2nd Mortgage. All funds recovered through the sale or repossession of homes as described above will be returned to be utilized to supplement the housing program. Program funding can therefore be recycled and utilized to assist future generations of hopeful prospective homeowners.
Eligibility requirements must be met by persons selected for the housing program:
1) The applicant(s) must be “first time homebuyers” which is defined as an individual or his/her spouse who has not owned a home during the 3-year period before the purchase of a home with housing funds, except that:
(a) Any individual may not be excluded from consideration as a first time homebuyer on the basis that the individual, while married, owned a home with his or her spouse or resided in a home owned by the spouse; and
(b) Any individual who has inherited a portion of a home and does not reside in the home may be considered for housing program funds based on the eligibility determination of the KICHA Program Director.
2) KICHA will provide Buy-Down loans to individuals and families whose household income does not exceed 80% of the published median income established by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. The annual income shall be determined by KICHA on the basis of an examination of income at the time of the initial application and recertification prior to closing. Because of the unusual nature of income patterns in Alaska, KICHA shall, in cases where an annual income is seasonal or sporadic (i.e. fishing, construction, etc.), use a three-year average of the individual or family whose income cannot otherwise be determined. This must be verified by the past three years’ signed tax returns. If self-employed, provide the last three years’ signed personal and business tax returns. The profit and loss statements and balance sheet to the nearest quarter are also needed.
If applicable, the mortgage loan documents and divorce decree for single parents and displaced homemakers.
3) The applicant must complete all required forms and supply requested information.
4) The applicant must be able to provide a portion of the initial cash down payment for the home they choose from their own assets.
5) To be eligible, the applicant(s) must be willing to sign a second Mortgage Agreement which includes a Resale Restriction Agreement and Option to Purchase, Note Rider, Deed of Trust, Deed of Trust Promissory Note, Deed of Trust Rider and Subordination Agreement.
The Environmental Coordinator
Assesses and evaluates current housing environmental risks such as indoor air pollution associated with individual dwellings and KICHA building projects as well as conducts environmental reviews for the housing authority and completes the various governmental environmental processes and forms as required under NEPA and NAHASDA. The Coordinator determines sources and methods of controlling pollutants by conducting tests and field investigations at potentially contaminated sites.
The Coordinator partners with other local governments and organizations to address solid waste concerns and other environmental issues. The Coordinator may also assist in grant identification and preparation.
The Coordinator provides environmental educational outreach to students and community members and works with local schools’ youth and staff to help coordinate environmental events, such as Earth Day and Clean Beach Week.
Weatherization Program
Ketchikan Indian Community Housing Authority (KICHA) and Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) are pleased to announce our Home Weatherization Program. The Weatherization Program is available to all Alaska’s homeowners and renters with low-to-moderate household income. Qualified participants receive home weatherization upgrades at no cost. To see if you qualify and to receive an application please contact the Ketchikan Indian Community Housing Authority located on the 5th floor of the 2960 Tongass Avenue, you may call 907-228-4933 with any questions or to make an appointment.
KICHA-Weatherization Application
Maximum Annual Household Income Limits (For weatherization program)
Elder Complex Application - Baronof
Transitional Housing Application Packet
College Student Housing Application Packet
Elder/Emergency Rehabilitation Housing Application Packet