(October 2009) Friday, October 23, 2009 the Lumbee Tribe had a ribbon cutting and blessing ceremony for the new administrative building at Red Hill apartments in Maxton, NC.
“Did you know it didn’t look anything like this- you could pick up the Robesonian and read about a shooting, a cutting or drug bust at Red Hill apartments- trash everywhere out here, I mean it was nothing but a mess and when we got it we wanted to make an effort to straighten it out to a place where I could call home because if I didn’t want to live here I didn’t want my people to live here; if it’s not good enough for me, why should it be good enough for you?” stated Tribal Chairman Jimmy Goins(pictured left in yellow). With five vacancies, the tribal apartment complex will be able to service more low-income American Indian households in receiving safe and affordable housing.
“We look forward to using this building for what it’s for, so the residents can come and won’t have to be outside anymore; now they have a building they can use and when people ride by they will know this is ours,” commented Site Housing Manager Jimmy Hunt(pictured below in gray), as residents and constituents of the Red Hill community gathered around. The 1,800 square foot building took approximately five months to complete, resulting in apartments becoming vacant that have not been in over the past 15 years.
“Hopefully the next thing we can do is find some playground equipment for the kids,” expressed Tribal District 5 Counselor Kernice Locklear(pictured below in red). After all commentary, the blessing of the building and an honor song by Southern Sun, Liddy Bell, one of two longest residents cut the ribbon to officially open the building.
For more information on Red Hill please call, 910.844.9119.
RESIDENT INTERVIEWS
Public Information Specialist for the Lumbee Tribe, Danielle Kendra Chavis interviews two longtime residents of Red Hill who have been here thru the hard times and now the better. They reflect on the great changes that have happened after Jimmy Hunt 37-Stock Manger and the Tribe took control of these units and started enforcing a strict Zero-Tolerance policy on drugs and crime.
Residents enjoyed a meal by Fullers after the opening of the new administrative building at Red Hill.
CONTACT:
Kendra Danielle Chavis, Public Information Specialist
Office: 910.522.2204
Cell: 386.208.5442
Email: kdchavis@lumbeetribe.com
