There are many services available in our Homeownership Department for tribal members, including:

Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA)

This program provides assistance to first-time homebuyers, assisting with down payment expenses and closing costs if selected. Tribal members who apply for this program must meet program requirements. The program is income based; applicants must be a Sault Tribe member, must be a first-time home buyer and live in the seven-county service area (Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac, Alger, Delta, Schoolcraft and Marquette counties). Recipients could receive up to $9,500 or 20 percent of the purchase price of the home. A 5-year lien will also be placed on the home.

This program is closed until 2016 FY.

Individual Development Account Program (IDA)

The IDA program is a match savings program that assists low-income tribal families to purchase their first home. The match ratio is a 2:1 (for example, applicant puts in $1 and the program puts in $2), up to $1,600 per year. Tribal members who apply for this program must meet program requirements. The program is income-based and an annual minimum income of $15,000 is required; applicant must be a Sault Tribe member, must be a first-time home buyer and live in the following three counties: Chippewa, Luce, or Mackinac. Funds are not allowed to be withdrawn early.

Applications are accepted year round. Click here to apply

Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program

This program is a federally-funded mortgage program that is guaranteed by HUD to assist Native families attain home ownership. Section 184 can be utilized for the following: purchase an existing home, new construction loans for stick-built or manufactured homes, rehabilitation loans and refinancing loans. This program is available to tribal members who reside outside the seven-county service area.

Lease to Purchase Homeownership Program

This program helps assist low-income families to obtain homeownership through a lease with an option to buy. The homes are located in both Sault Ste. Marie housing sites, in St. Ignace, and, in Newberry. Applications are added to a waiting list and selection is only made when a home becomes available. Applicants are required to update their application every three months. Changes of address, income, or family composition must be reported immediately. Applications that are not updated will be removed from the waiting list and filed as inactive.

Applications are accepted year round. Click here to apply.

Odenaang Community Development

This program is not available.

Homeownership Services (Financial Skills)

The Housing Authority's mission and vision statement goes hand-in-hand with the services that the Home Ownership (HOP) Department provides. There is one-on-one counseling for budgeting, financial skills, saving goals, basic home maintenance, understanding the importance of good credit, credit repair and education regarding predatory lenders.

Please send completed applications and copies of supporting documents to:

Sault Tribe Housing Authority

154 Parkside Drive
Kincheloe, MI 49788

906‑495‑1450 Office
800‑794‑4072 Toll Free

Homeownership Department

Attn: Dana Piippo

Contact by e-mail