In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a substantial $150 million funding boost to support affordable housing initiatives for Tribal communities across the United States.
Short Summary:
- HUD to distribute $150 million for housing projects in Tribal communities.
- Focus on new home construction, rehabilitation, and infrastructure.
- Tribal leaders applaud the funding as a critical step toward housing improvements.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has unveiled an unprecedented $150 million fund aimed at enhancing affordable housing in Tribal communities. This financial injection comes as part of the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Competitive program, designed specifically to address the dire housing needs of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, Richard Monocchio, officially announced the initiative during a visit to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi’s home construction site near Kalamazoo, MI. The project exemplifies the impact of previous IHBG support. “Ensuring affordable housing for Native American communities is a top priority for HUD,” emphasized HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman, highlighting the agency’s commitment to fostering resilient, thriving communities.
Under the IHBG Competition, HUD will allocate the $150 million to Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) for constructing new homes, rehabilitating existing structures, and improving housing-related infrastructure. Monocchio acknowledged the profound effects of these grants, noting, “These awards are having a major impact on the shortage of affordable housing in Native American communities, and we are excited to see many more homes built with the funds we make available today.” The program aims to tackle severe housing issues, such as dilapidated homes and overcrowding, which have plagued Tribal regions for years. A 2017 HUD Housing Needs Study revealed the urgent need for 68,000 new homes to replace substandard housing and alleviate overcrowding. This new funding is expected to make significant strides toward meeting that need.
“The housing crisis in Nevada is impacting everyone in our state, especially Tribal communities,” Senator Jacky Rosen commented, echoing the sentiment of many federal officials who recognize the critical importance of addressing housing disparities in these areas.
This announcement follows a series of federal investments in Tribal housing across various states. In Nevada, 17 Native American tribes are set to receive a combined $26.7 million from the IHBG program. The Walker River Paiute Tribe will receive the largest share of this funding. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto expressed her support, stating, “Helping Tribal communities across Nevada build more homes for working families is a top priority of mine.” Such federal investments are vital in improving the quality of life for Tribal communities, with funds allocated to develop new housing projects and improve existing structures.
Washington state also sees significant benefits from HUD’s funding. U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer announced that three Tribes in Thurston and Mason counties will receive substantial grants for affordable housing activities. The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation will get $1,739,605, the Squaxin Island Tribe $1,493,837, and the Skokomish Indian Tribe $1,015,634. “These critical investments will not only help more Tribal citizens live in their ancestral homelands but also ease housing challenges for those living nearby,” Kilmer stated. Despite this progress, he and other Tribal leaders continue to emphasize the federal government’s historical shortcomings in meeting its treaty obligations.
“Our communities have a great need for housing solutions, and we thank all those involved that took on the challenge to get our communities more funding,” said Glenn Ellis Jr., treasurer of the Makah Tribal Council.
In a landmark move, Senator Patty Murray, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced nearly $75 million in grants for 29 Tribes throughout Washington state through the IHBG program. Murray, who fought tirelessly to secure a record $1.111 billion for the program despite budget constraints, remarked, “The Indian Housing Block Grant program is the most important tool we have to support housing for Tribal communities, and as Appropriations Chair, I fought hard to deliver record funding despite tough budget caps.”
The $85 million in PRO Housing funds, part of the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) grant competition, was also announced, aiming to empower communities nationwide to lower housing costs and enhance housing supply. Vice President Harris highlighted the initiative’s significance: “President Biden and I believe that every American deserves affordable housing so they have a roof over their head and a place to call home. That is why we have a plan to build millions of new units of affordable housing in communities all across our nation, which will bring down the cost of housing for renters and help more Americans buy a home.”
Complementing these efforts are additional HUD initiatives designed to boost housing supply and affordability, including the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Federal Financing Bank (FFB) Risk Sharing program, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) “Income Averaging” rule, and investments in making affordable housing more energy-efficient and resilient. HUD Acting Secretary Todman reiterated the Administration’s commitment to reducing housing costs: “President Biden and Vice President Harris have prioritized reducing housing costs. As I travel across the country, I hear from people all the time, including builders, elected officials, and other stakeholders, about how difficult it is to build housing.”
“By prioritizing funding and support for housing in Tribal communities, HUD is living up to its mission of ensuring that everyone in this country has access to affordable housing options,” Todman concluded, reiterating the agency’s dedication to tackling the housing crisis.
In conclusion, the new funding allocated by HUD marks a significant step forward in addressing the severe housing challenges faced by Tribal communities across the United States. These investments not only aim to meet the immediate need for new homes and the rehabilitation of existing structures but also strive to create sustainable, resilient communities for future generations. With continued federal support and concerted efforts from all stakeholders, the vision of providing every American with a safe, affordable place to call home seems more attainable than ever before.
