Affordable housing in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is an important topic of discussion for members. Arizona’s surge in home prices in recent years has resulted in many in the Community being unable to afford a home of their own.

To ensure affordable housing is available to those living in the Community, SRPMIC announced that townhomes are available for rent in two Community rental property neighborhoods, Mesquite Trails and Lonely Cactus. 

Lonely Cactus is a neighborhood for seniors and members with disabilities. Mesquite Trails is a second neighborhood of townhomes available to SRPMIC members and their families. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on October 25, which included an open house so Community members could tour one of the new townhomes in the Mesquite Trails neighborhood. SRPMIC Tribal Council members, department managers and the Miss Salt River royalty were in attendance, placing their hands on the ceremonial scissors to help cut the ribbon.

To determine who would have the opportunity to rent the townhomes, a lottery was held on October 21 inside the SRPMIC Council chambers. Assistant Community Manager Dawn Sinoqui read aloud the winning ticket numbers as 200-plus viewers watched the livestream broadcast on Facebook/Instagram/YouTube. Members of the Young River People’s Council were on hand to assist with the lottery. 

To be eligible to rent townhomes in either neighborhood, SRPMIC members must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass ample background screenings, which include verifying qualifying income, a thorough background check, and verifications from previous landlords that rent was paid in a timely manner. 

Members who have questions regarding the SPRMIC Community Housing program can call the office directly at (480) 362-7600 or email housinginfo@srpmic-nsn.gov. 

Photos by Nalani Lopez.