Native partnerships lead to first Zona Verde affordable housing in the US

Native Commerce News is sponsored by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO), dedicated to expanding Indian Country commerce across the globe.  

Written By Rachael Schuit

(WATONGA, Okla.) For thousands of years, Native American people inhabited land that today encompasses states like Oklahoma. Despite this fact, it has been a challenge for many Native Americans living in Oklahoma and beyond to own their own homes, or even find rental property that is in good condition. 

Data from The National Low Income Housing Coalition shows families on Tribal lands live in poor housing conditions at five times the rate of the general population, and more than a third of them live in homes that are overcrowded or lack basic amenities, such as plumbing, a refrigerator, or heating.

Despite these facts, the National Indian Council on Aging Inc. reports 23 percent of Native American families are spending approximately 30 percent of their income on housing costs.

Zona Verde Inc. is a sustainable housing company working to offer better homes for Native Americans and other underserved populations.

“We seek to work with Inner City, Native American, and Immigrant communities that historically have had little or no hope,” Zona Verde Vice President of Relationship Management John Bunch said. “It will be a new dawn for the residents and a new beginning with dignity and hope for families to become an asset to their communities, cities and states.” 

Bunch said newer homes being built by urban renewal programs are too expensive for low-income families, which forces them to move.  

In contrast, homes built by Zona Verde Inc. are low cost without compromising high quality. They are also environmentally efficient due to their R48 insulation rating and the capability to utilize solar, wind and hydrogen instead of the standard electric or gas. 

Zona Verde held a ribbon cutting on September 15 for its first affordable housing unit in Watonga, Oklahoma. City officials, local business owners, community members, and Oklahoma Tribal Banking executives were on hand for the unveiling of the two-bedroom, two bathroom “green” house; the first of its kind in the US. 

Construction of the Watonga home was the result of collaborative efforts between the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO), REI Oklahoma, the City of Watonga, Warcon Construction and Zona Verde, Inc. 

REI Oklahoma Minority Business Center Program Manager Susan Dean, an AICCO state board member, learned about the City of Watonga’s affordable housing needs after attending a tribal symposium event in Lawton earlier this year. 

Dean was familiar with AICCO members Zona Verde and Warcon and connected them all following the symposium. 

“It’s all about suiting up and showing up for small businesses and being the bridge to Indian country challenges such as affordable housing,” said Dean. 

Leaders at the September ribbon cutting also recognized AICCO State Board President Bailey Walker for his chamber leadership and for being an instrument of collaboration for positive impact. 

“We were impressed with the economic affordability of the houses and how they are built to last for generations,” Watonga City Manager Karrie Beth Little said. “We look forward to a long partnership with Zona Verde.” 

“It was impressive to see the collaboration of the City of Watonga and it’s people to have such an amazing event,” Bunch said. 

Bunch said Zona Verde homes are built 90 percent faster than traditional homes and at 60 percent of the cost. The construction of these homes also qualifies for state and federal funds and creates new employment opportunities. 

“Zona Verde, Inc. is here to make the dream of owning a home real for everyone who thought it was impossible,” Bunch said. “We will never stop doing our best to make those dreams a reality.”

For more information on Zona Verde homes, visit https://zonaverdeinc.com/