HUD announces $150 million investment in tribal communities' affordable housing

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Julienne Joseph Chief of Staff | Official Website

HUD announces $150 million investment in tribal communities' affordable housing

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced awards totaling $150.9 million for new affordable and innovative housing investments in Tribal communities. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Monocchio made the announcement in Anchorage, Alaska, where he presented $6 million to the Cook Inlet Housing Authority to build 51 new housing units for low-income Alaskan Native families.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is proud to work alongside our Tribal partners to help them meet the housing needs that exist in Indian Country,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “These funds will help build and repair homes desperately needed right now.”

The Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Competitive funds are crucial in supporting vibrant American Indian and Alaska Native communities. These funds are designated for various purposes, such as new construction, rehabilitation, and infrastructure to support affordable housing within Indian reservations and similar areas. The IHBG Competitive program is significant for Tribal communities as it provides essential financial resources for constructing new affordable housing for disadvantaged Tribal families.

“I am pleased to be here in Anchorage to make this announcement where Tribes, who often face unique obstacles when it comes to constructing new affordable housing, are able to use the Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive awards to better serve Native families,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Monocchio. “This Administration will continue to prioritize Nation-to-Nation relations and funding for Native American housing. As I’ve seen through my visits with Tribes across the nation, investing in Indian Country is highly impactful.”

This funding adds value to the yearly IHBG formula funding, which often falls short of covering the expenses of constructing new homes and is typically allocated for operating and maintaining current housing. HUD looks forward to seeing these projects become a reality.