LAKEPORT, Calif. — Fifteen tribal families now have long-term, sustainable housing thanks to a new project completed by Big Valley Rancheria’s Tribal Housing Department.

The project, located at 902 S. Forbes St. in Lakeport, was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 25.

It was completed through the First Home Housing Program via the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

Native Americans have some of the highest rates of homelessness in the nation, according to the American Community Survey.

The decennial Census suggests that Native American’s rates are second only to Black Americans.

“As Native Americans and as citizens of the great state of California, we know all too well the enormous need and demand for housing,” said Big Valley Tribal Chairman Flaman McCloud Jr. “This is just the first step of many to come. Housing is a barrier for so many of our tribal members who want to lift themselves up, but without a safe and warm roof over their heads, employment, education, health and wellness will continue to be a struggle.”

Vice-Chairman Nick Jack thanked the tribe's employees and housing board. “As Native people, we’ve always known that it takes a village … housing and good paying jobs is what Big Valley wants to bring to Lake County, and we hope that the state and our neighbors will continue to work with and support our vision for our communities.”

“We’re challenging our tribal citizens, elders, employees and federal and state partners to join us in continuing to improve the lives of our tribal members and fellow Lake County community members, so that our young people will continue and carry-on our vision and this journey,” said Veronica Rael-Aparicio, executive assistant and Tribal Transportation Program coordinator.