By Joe Morey
News Editor
At their weekly meeting, Monday, Oct. 5, the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board (TGB) unanimously approved going forward with the purchase of four one-bedroom manufactured homes from American Homes of Hayward, a deal which had recently been cancelled.
Two weeks prior, the TGB decided to cancel the purchase after the price originally quoted to the Tribe, $46,469 per home, had suddenly increased $1,375 per home and were told there was no guarantee that prices wouldn’t increase again. TGB Member Glenda Barber reported to the rest of the TGB that American Homes had apparently made a mistake and said they would honor the original quote.
“They went back to the original price and there’ll be no increases,” Barber stated.
Two larger homes, a three-bedroom and four-bedroom, were already purchased at $65,000 and $89,000. The two larger homes have already been set on current foundations prepared and ready in the Giiwedin community and, according to CARES Act Projects Coordinator Brian Bisonette, all six homes will be used as quarantine home during the pandemic.
"The TGB has already assisted some members that tested positive for Covid-19 in spite of having very limited housing units at their disposal," Bisonette said. "The acquisition of these manufactured homes will provide additional housing resources for individuals and or family members. After the outbreak ends and life resumes to normal, the TGB will contemplate the available options and make a decision on the disposition of each unit."
During discussion at the Oct. 5 meeting, LCO Vice Chairwoman Lorraine Gouge said one or two of the homes could be used as transition homes for tribal members coming out of prison and transitioning back into the community, utilized by the Wellness and Healing Court.
“Currently, our Men’s Shelter is over flowing and we need more space for them,” Barber explained. “We need shelter for homeless men with children. Homeless women with teenage sons aren’t a good fit for the current Women’s Shelter so we also need to find a place for them.”
TGB members agreed the manufactured homes could also be used as rental properties once the Covid Pandemic is over, to help with the housing shortage on the Reservation. Barber said the Tribe needs to hire a property manager who would oversee these homes and future rental units, which would include the new subdivision planned at the Four Corners Area.
Photos below are the two larger homes already purchased and set on foundations in Giiwedin Community. The Site Plan is at bottom.
Site Plan