Housing Department will Provide $128 Million to Tribes

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has disclosed the issuance of 22 grants amounting to roughly $128 million to bolster affordable housing in Tribal areas. While in Kenai, Alaska, HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge announced this initiative, presenting the Kenaitze-Salamatof with $7.5 million. This fund will facilitate the construction of 18 housing units, augmenting the housing options for Alaskan Native families with lower incomes.

“This vital funding allows Tribes to make investments in safe, affordable housing,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “I am pleased to make this announcement here in Kenai, Alaska, where Tribes face pressing and unique challenges in providing housing to families. Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive awards provide Tribes with funding to address these challenges in ways that best serve their communities.”

The Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive (IHBG) funds are pivotal in enhancing the livelihoods of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Allocated for diverse projects - from new construction and rehabilitation to essential infrastructure - these funds promote affordable housing in Indian reservations and analogous areas. For Tribal communities, the IHBG Competitive program stands out, injecting vital monetary support that paves the way for fresh housing avenues for underserved Tribal families.

In addition to the annual IHBG formula funding - which often isn’t sufficient to meet the costs of new housing construction and is generally used for maintaining existing homes - these funds offer immense support. Remarkably, since 2019, the grants from the IHBG Competitive program awarded to Tribes have exceeded those from the IHBG Formula by an average margin of 67 percent. Moreover, a staggering 94 percent of these grants have been directed towards erecting new housing, addressing a critical demand in Indian territories.

In line with the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to Tribal communities, HUD reinforced its support, by allocating $128 million to 22 communities through the Competitive Program.