The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made $150 million available to promote affordable housing projects to benefit low-income families in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
The money will be distributed through the Indian Housing Block Grant Competition supporting tribes and tribally designated housing entities to carry out affordable housing activities. Under this program, eligible applicants receive grants primarily to construct new affordable housing in safe and healthy environments in tribal communities.
“Strong investments in tribal communities help ensure residents can access much-needed safe and affordable housing,” HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge said in a release. “The funds HUD is making available will meet the challenges of today and allow tribal communities to make innovative and vital advancements needed to prepare for the future.”
Funding priority will be given to new housing construction projects, housing rehabilitation projects, acquisition of existing housing units that increase affordable housing supply, and necessary affordable housing-related infrastructure projects.
HUD conducted a study in 2017 on the housing needs of tribal communities and found 68,000 new homes are needed to replace substantially dilapidated homes and to address severe overcrowding in these areas. These grant funds will help tribes build new homes and improve housing conditions, addressing some of these housing needs.
Participants have until March 19 to apply.