The Housing Crisis

The acute housing shortage and the detioration of current housing stock in Puk has made housing a top priority for us here at the Band Office. Overcrowded and deteriorating structures are negatively impacting on the health and well being of the entire community. Conversely, timely repairs of current housing stock and construction of new units will have a positive impact on the community as a whole.

The housing issue in Puk has deteriorated to such an extent because of mortgage defaults, resulting in the Band being held in a bad financial light. MCCN's financial situation has strengthened recently with the completion of 38 BRAND NEW UNITS this year!
1. Ten (10) Units finalized in 2008
2. Twenty (20) Units finalized in 2009
3. Six (6) - a six-plex to be completed by Spring 2010
4. Two (2) replacement houses for soil contamination to
be completed by Spring 2010

In terms of renovations and repairs, the band has spent approximately $300,000 in repairing our current housing stock in the form of new roofs, window and door replacements and general upgrades. These renovations not only increased the value of the homes but also provide jobs for local contractors. Moreover, the same is true for the construction of the new units, as most of these units is also being done by local contactors. During these past two winters, we have seen our local contractors go to work in frigid conditions to enable our community members to move into their new units as quickly as possible. I would like to recognize the efforts of all these carpenters, electricians, plumbers, etc., all who have worked so hard in getting these new homes ready.

And these new houses are exactly that, they are your HOMES. This is the place where you raise your children, where you rest your head after a long day, a place that you can call home. We all need to respect our homes to ensure that their value last year after year. At times, you may need to make repairs to your home in order to ensure they are safe and healthy and this is the responsibility of all HOME OWNERS. Our construction company worked hard to build the house and now it is up to you to keep your home in tip top shape. Respect has always been a basic teaching in our culture and respecting your home is part of that and teaching others to respect your home is part of that. And by home, I also mean your yard.