Keweenaw Bay Indian Community welcomes new residents to the latest home in the area. The Mino Miikana Apartments, a new 25-unit building, houses both, studio and one-bedroom apartments. The project is one step closer to taking on the housing challenge the tribe has faced in recent years. Housing Department Director Doreen Blaker says the space is ready to move into, and the apartments expect some residents to start moving this weekend.
We’re big advocates for home ownership. But one of the things we also see on the reservation is that a lot of our areas don’t have water, sewers, or electricity. And we have one subdivision that started that way with infrastructure, and people moved into that. We’re starting one in L’Anse on the other side, and then we’ll have another one over in Baraga. And those are strictly infrastructure projects so that if anybody’s looking to build or put a modular home on it, there’ll be a place where, you know, the cost of infrastructure won’t be there. – Doreen Blaker, Director, KBIC Housing Department
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community used funding from three federal programs, and a small loan from Superior National Bank to complete the 10-million-dollar project. The work included preparation to install electrical, water, and sewer utilities at the site. The Mino Miikana Apartments are still accepting applications for available units. Those interested in learning more about the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s Mino Miikana Apartments can find more details online.
The apartments aim to provide housing for people experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, or experience vulnerable circumstances due to social or economic factors. In order to foster a secure and supportive environment the building adheres to a drug, alcohol, and smoke free policy, and does not allow pets.
Blaker noted addressing housing challenges on the reservation has several hurdles. While the Mino Miikana Apartments will provide 25 new units, there are many more people that need support.
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