By issuing $150 million in grants, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is looking to prioritize new housing construction, housing rehabilitation, and necessary affordable housing-related infrastructure projects in Native American and Alaska Native communities.
The funds will be issued through HUD’s Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Competitive program. The IHGB Competitive program provides eligible applicants the opportunity to receive grants to construct new affordable housing in safe and healthy environments in tribal communities.
“Ensuring affordable housing for Native American communities is a top priority for HUD,” HUD acting Secretary Adrianne Todman said in a release. “We take pride in partnering with tribes to expand housing options and foster resilient communities, laying the foundation for generations to thrive.”
According to a 2017 housing needs study, tribal communities across the U.S. need 68,000 new homes to replace substantially dilapidated homes and address severe overcrowding in tribal communities. This most recent funding will help to improve these housing conditions and address some of the needs in these communities, HUD stated.
“It’s an honor to be welcomed by the Nottawaseppia Huron Band of the Potawatomi to see the incredible homes they have built through the Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive program,” HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Monocchio said when announcing the funding while on tour with tribal leaders near Kalamazoo, Mich. “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.”
Eligible entities –Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments) and Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) – are able to apply now through Aug. 29. The minimum award amount is $500,000, and the award ceiling is $7.5 million.
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