Homeownership Month Celebration on Indian Island

(L to R) Penobscot Nation Tribal Chief Kirk Francis, USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel and Jessica and Jason Sockbeson with their daughter

Jessica and Jason Sockbeson, along with their three children, recently celebrated National Homeownership Month at their home on Indian Island. Penobscot Nation Tribal Chief Kirk Francis welcomed attending partners and legislative representatives to the six-unit subdivision developed by the Penobscot Nation Housing Department, through the leadership of Craig Sanborn.

On a beautiful day, while the children played, attendees toured the LEED Gold Certified home, marveling at its attractiveness and all the “green” features, such as Energy Star rated appliances, high efficiency oil burners, solar heated hot water, air exchange systems, radiant heat, programmable thermostats, CFL lighting throughout and a super efficient insulation envelope.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel explained the home represented the first use in Maine of the One Stop Mortgage Agreement, allowing lending on tribal land. Chris Roberts from HUD’s Bangor Field Office talked about the green features funded by a HUD Rural Housing and Economic Development grant.

L to R: Jason and Jessica Sockbeson with their daughter and Penobscot Nation Housing Department Director Craig Sanborn

Bangor Savings Bank’s John Moore congratulated the family on making the successful commitment to homeownership and welcomed them to the BSF family. Sue Hammond, Executive Director of Four Directions Development Corporation, a Native American Community Development Financial Institution, also congratulated the family and explained her agency’s participation in providing affordable funding for the six units.

Steve Rich of WBRC Architects/Engineers was on hand to explain how the homes were engineered for maximum energy efficiency. Also in attendance were staff representating U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME), U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins (R-ME) and Congressman Michael H. Michaud (D-ME 2nd).

The Sockbesons moved to Indian Island from nearby Bangor, where they were renting an apartment. They now pay less for their mortgage than they were paying in rent, have lower utility costs, own their home and have access to their Native culture.

An additional six units are planned for Phase II.