Osage Nation Storm Shelter Assistance Expands to Include Generators

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The Osage Nation Housing Department’s (ONHD) Storm Shelter Assistance Program has expanded to include permanently installed standby/whole-home generators or portable generators. The program aims to ensure households remain safe and functional during outages and severe weather events. Osage homeowners throughout the United States are eligible to apply to this program, which will provide up to $5,000 paid directly to the vendor. Osage members who have previously received storm shelter assistance may reapply after ONHD assists all first-time applicants. ONHD will issue a public announcement when reapplications are being accepted.

 

Eligible Osages can visit www.osagenation-nsn.gov/services/housing to download the Storm Shelter Assistance Application. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. 

 

Osage Nation Housing Department Emergency Generator Assistance Program – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

  1. What is the Emergency Generator Assistance Program? This program helps Osage Nation member homeowners purchase and install a residential generator for emergency backup power, ensuring households remain safe and functional during outages and severe weather events.

  2. How much assistance can I receive? Eligible applicants may receive up to $5,000.00 per adult Osage Nation member homeowner toward:

    1. A permanently installed standby/whole-home generator, or

    2. A portable generator paired with a safe, approved transfer switch.

    3. If the generator costs more than $5,000, applicants may choose to pay the additional cost themselves.

  3.  Can I apply for generator assistance if I previously received storm shelter assistance? Yes, but only after ONHD assists all first-time applicants. ONHD will publicly announce when these applications will be accepted.  

  4. Is this program available to Osage homeowners living outside Oklahoma? Yes, the program is nationwide. Osage Nation homeowners living anywhere in the United States may apply, provided the generator is installed at their primary residence.

  5. Can I choose any generator or brand? Yes, as long as:

    1. A licensed professional performs the installation.

    2. All local electrical codes are met

    3. Manufacturer installation standards are followed

    4. All required components (transfer switch, pad, fuel line, etc.) are included.

  6. What if the generator costs more than $5,000? You may choose a more expensive option. ONHD will cover up to $5,000, and you pay the difference directly to the contractor or supplier.

  7. Who is eligible to apply? Applicants must: 

    1. Be an adult Osage Nation member homeowner, 

    2. Own and reside at the home where the generator will be installed, 

    3. Not have previously received generator assistance at that address. If a generator was previously provided through this program, proof of removal or inoperability is required before reapplying. Residence location does not affect eligibility—this program serves Osage homeowners nationwide.

  8. What documentation is required? A completed application must include: 

    1. Osage Nation Membership Card (for one homeowner) 

    2. Valid photo ID 

    3. Social Security card 

    4. Proof of homeownership 

    5. Generator estimate or invoice from a licensed supplier/installer

  9. How are applications processed? Applications are reviewed in the order received once all required documents are submitted. Applications from previous storm shelter recipients will be held until ONHD determines that first-time applicants have been served and announces that additional applications will be accepted.

  10. Do I choose my own contractor? Yes. Once approved:

    1. 1. You select a licensed contractor or supplier.

    2. 2. You provide ONHD with their contact information and a formal estimate/invoice.

    3. 3. ONHD verifies all information before issuing payment.

  11. How will ONHD pay for the generator and installation? ONHD will pay vendors directly, NOT the applicant. Payments may be issued by:

    1. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to the contractor, or

    2. A physical check is mailed to the contractor, depending on the contractor and accounting requirements.

  12. What happens if someone submits false or misleading information? If fraud is suspected, ONHD will investigate. Consequences may include: - Repayment of all funds

    1. Loss of eligibility for future assistance

    2. Penalties under the Osage Nation tribal law only

 

Need Assistance? Osage Nation Housing Department, 940 Grandview Avenue, Pawhuska, OK 74056. Phone: (918) 287-5310.