Housing construction is underway and nearing completion at two locations on the Warm Springs Reservation, as the Warm Springs Housing Authority works to expand the availability of rental homes for tribal members.
New Duplex Rising in Simnasho
The Warm Springs Housing Authority has contracted Cearley Construction of Siletz, Oregon for the construction of a three-bedroom duplex rental in Simnasho — a community in the northern portion of the reservation, approximately 25 miles north of the Warm Springs town center.
The duplex will be built adjacent to the Simnasho School and is funded directly by the tribe. The ADA-adaptable structure broke ground earlier this month, with a completion date to be announced as work progresses.
The choice of Simnasho for new housing reflects ongoing efforts to address residential needs across the full breadth of the reservation, not just in the central Warm Springs community area. Simnasho is a more remote part of the reservation that has historically had fewer services and amenities.
Ten Homes Near Completion in Tenino
Closer to completion are 10 new homes being built on Kalama Lane in the Tenino area, also on the Warm Springs Reservation. Those homes are expected to be finished by June, with a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, May 27.
The Tenino area is located in the southern portion of the reservation, near the Warm Springs River drainage. The addition of 10 homes in a single project represents a meaningful expansion of available tribal housing stock.
Housing on the Reservation
Housing availability and affordability have long been challenges on the Warm Springs Reservation. The Warm Springs Housing Authority administers tribal housing programs and works with federal Indian housing funds as well as tribal resources to construct, maintain, and manage homes for tribal members.
New construction projects of this scale — both in Simnasho and Tenino — reflect the tribe's ongoing investment in infrastructure and quality of life for members living across the 1.1 million-acre reservation.
For more information, community members can contact the Warm Springs Housing Authority through the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs tribal offices or tune in to KWSO 91.9 FM for reservation announcements.