Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s Housing Development Honored with Affordable Housing Award From National Coalition

Developed by the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation’s Housing, Southwood Estates receives national award.

Published June 5, 2019

25^th Annual Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award recognizes best in affordable housing

WASHINGTON  The Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition (AHTCC) today announced that Southwood Estates in Mayetta, Kansas, is a 2019 recipient of the Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Award, recognizing excellence in the affordable housing industry and organizations that have demonstrated especially impactful use of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit).

Announced each year at an event on Capitol Hill that unites members of Congress, business and housing leaders, the award honors Housing Credit developments that are strengthening communities, improving health and boosting economies in urban, suburban and rural areas across the country.

“This year’s Edson Award recipients are among the most innovative developers, investors, builders and facilitators of low-income housing developments nationwide,” said AHTCC President Michael Gaber. “It is important to recognize their commitment and achievements at a time when the need for affordable housing is reaching crisis levels.”

Southwood Estates Phase II, developed by Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and syndicated by RBC Capital Markets, provides 27 units of affordable rental housing on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation in Mayetta, Kansas.

The remoteness of the reservation, scarcity of natural resources, and the sovereignty of tribal governments often lead to an impression that Indian County is a particularly difficult area to develop, resulting in a chronic shortage of housing, particularly affordable housing designed for multigenerational households. To meet this need, the project consists of three- to five-bedroom single-family homes that integrate with the existing neighborhoods’ character and better meet the needs of large, multigenerational families. Over 50 percent of units are reserved for those recovering from alcohol or drug abuse or physical abuse, and over 20 percent are reserved for military veterans, including widows or widowers.

Since 1986, the Housing Credit has financed more than three million homes for low-income households, including veterans, senior citizens, disabled individuals, and families with children. Virtually no new affordable housing can be constructed without the Housing Credit. Through public-private partnerships, the Housing Credit offers a proven track record of financing safe, decent affordable homes in communities where they are needed most.

“Communities across the country continue to count on the work of organizations like our 2019 Edson Award winners to create affordable homes,” said AHTCC Executive Director Emily Cadik.  “Affordable housing is needed in every part of the country.”

For more information about the 2019 Edson Award winner, please visitwww.taxcreditcoalition.org