Overview
Advancing affordable housing on Yurok land
Situated in Weitchpec, California, Woo-Mehl Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Homes is an affordable, culturally significant housing solution for families of the Yurok Tribe. Comprising a mix of 13 single-family homes and one four-plex residential building, Woo-Mehl LIHTC Homes provides quality, affordable homes for members of the Yurok Tribe, which comprise the largest Native American Tribe in California. Honored with the 2022 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award for Tribal Housing, this project reflects the efforts of Hunt Capital Partners (HCP) and the Yurok Indian Housing Authority (YIHA) to improve the living standards of indigenous families, allowing them to continue to live in the communities they grew up in through quality housing.
Project Details
Location
Weitchpec, CA
Size
17 homes
Tenancy
Tribal Families
Total Project Cost
$10.1 million
Total LIHTCs
$7.7 million in 9% Federal
Total Other Tax Credits
$56,100 in Solar
Project Amenities
Community Room
Fully-equipped Kitchen
In-unit Washer/Dryer
Playground
Patio/Balcony
Resident Support Services
Garage/Carport
Community Pavilion
Awards & Recognition
2022 Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition (AHTCC)
Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award for Tribal Housing
01
Challenge
Addressing the Tribal Housing Shortage
Tribal areas present some of the most urgent affordable housing needs nationwide. In fact, the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition reports that 57 percent of Native American households in tribal areas are burdened by the cost of housing or live in housing with poor conditions or overcrowding. The remote nature of the location, where the land of the Yurok Tribe spans 63,035 acres, pose significant challenges in accessing key infrastructure like transportation and utilities. This, coupled with limited housing availability and overcrowding in aging homes, has aggravated the tribal housing landscape, often forcing indigenous families to relocate in pursuit of better living conditions.
Woo-Mehl LIHTC Homes was created to offer a new affordable housing solution that pays homage to the Yurok tribe’s culture. Integrated cultural elements include a community center adorned with a circle door and roofline inspired by traditional Yurok designs. Additionally, the property features three fish smokehouses, serving as spaces to honor their rich salmon fishing heritage.
02
Solution
Advancing Housing for Tribal Members
As one of the few syndicators with extensive experience in tribal housing, HCP partnered with YIHA to provide the much-needed tax credit financing to construct a quality affordable housing solution for members of the Yurok tribe. The development was funded, in part, with $7.7 million in 9% Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) and $56,100 in Solar Tax Credits. HCP facilitated the sale of the tax credits through its multi-investor fund, Hunt Capital Partners Tax Credit Fund 31. YIHA also contributed $3.26 million in construction-to-permanent financing.
The project team was led by YIHA as the general partner, developer, general contractor, and management agent. Travois, Inc. served as development consultant. Travois Asset Management, a subsidiary of Travois, served as the asset management and compliance consultant.
03
Result
Improved Quality of Life for Yurok Families
Completed in 2022, Woo-Mehl LIHTC Homes offers amenities including a patio/balcony, garage/carport, in-unit washer/dryer, and fully-equipped kitchens. The 17 homes are available to households earning up to 30, 40, and 60 percent of the area median income. Residents have access to a community center, pavilion, playground, on-site management, cultural amenities and a variety of supportive services including adult education, health, and skill-building programs. Woo-Mehl LIHTC Homes introduces an opportunity for residents to benefit from these amenities and services, which were not previously available in the area due to its remote location.
