$210 Million in Initial Indian Housing Block Grants Announced

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

WASHINGTON - Allocations to 146 American Indian tribes in 25 states were announced Thursday for nearly $210 million in Indian Housing Block grant funds by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Need is Great on Oglala Indian Reservation

Two of the largest recipients of the grants are: Cook Inlet Housing Authority in Alaska at $15,652,530 and the Oglala Sioux (Lakota) Housing Authority in South Dakota at $8,754,176.

There are over $400 million in grants still to be distributed this year, according HUD.

These funds are distributed each year based on a formula to eligible Indian tribes or their tribally designated housing entities for a range of affordable housing activities.

Indian Housing Block grant funds are intended to primarily benefit low-income families living on Indian reservations or in other American Indian communities. The amount of each grant is based on a formula that considers local needs and housing units under management by the tribe or designated entity.

"HUD recognizes the right of Indian self-determination and tribal self-governance by allowing the recipients the flexibility to design and implement appropriate, place-based housing programs, according to local needs and customs," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "In addition, these grants will help support jobs in areas where they are needed the most."

Eligible activities for the funds include housing development, assistance to housing developed under the Indian Housing Program, housing services to eligible families and individuals, crime prevention and safety, and model activities that provide creative approaches to solving affordable housing problems. The block grant approach to housing was enabled by the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996.

posted June 24, 2011 9:50 am et