The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released a report detailing how pandemic response funds have stabilized housing markets in Indian Country, resulting in an increased percentage of native families retaining their homes. The report highlights the effectiveness of three pandemic recovery programs that have helped homeowners in Tribal communities avoid foreclosure and eviction, thereby strengthening both local and national economies.
According to the document outlining the report's findings, the landmark American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocated $21.5 billion for Tribal governments. This act led to the creation of five critical Tribal recovery programs. Three key programs implemented as part of the pandemic response were the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program, the Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF), and the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA1) program. The SLFRF received $5.3 billion in funding from Tribal governments for housing and infrastructure projects. Furthermore, $450 million was committed to HAF and $611 million was spent on ERA1 funds to assist with Tribal housing services. To oversee these programs, the Treasury established the Office of Tribal and Native Affairs.
The report indicates that Indian Country faces significant economic development challenges, with an unemployment rate of approximately 50% among Native Americans living on reservations. It is reported that 30% of Tribal Businesses had to lay off between 80-100% of their workforce following the onset of the pandemic. In response to these unique needs, a strategic approach was implemented by the Treasury Department to aid in recovery from the pandemic's effects. As part of efforts to expand economic opportunity in Tribal communities, institutions that are Native-owned have received investments totaling $234 million through the Emergency Capital Investment Program.
Chief Lynn Malerba, Treasurer of the United States, stated: "The support we have seen for Tribal economies under the Biden-Harris Administration has been a lifeline for Native Americans, who experience a poverty rate twice the national average." She added, "Housing in particular is critical for economic stability, self-determination, and wealth building. Today’s report demonstrates the measurable impact federal programs have had on increasing housing supply and security throughout Indian Country."
