Cabrera recognized IRHA, the Tribally Designated Housing Entity for the Doyon/Fairbanks region, as the first TDHE to obtain financing through HUD's Section 184 program, and for leading the nation in the number of Title VI loans. In total, IRHA has received nearly $8 million in financing through these programs, and serves 38 federally recognized Indian tribes.

"The primary purpose of the Section 184 program is to help Alaska Natives and American Indians become homeowners," Cabrera said. "IRHA is a leader in providing homeownership opportunities with this HUD program."

Through the Title VI loan guarantee program, tribes can leverage their annual Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) grant five times. With Title VI financing, IRHA has substantially increased the scope of projects and reduced the per-unit logistical costs. As a result, IRHA is producing more housing at a lower cost. IRHA has received $4,340,110 in Title VI loan guarantees through six loans. Five of these loans were guaranteed during federal fiscal year 2006. IRHA has applied for an additional seven Title VI loans for $2,354,950. IRHA has used Title VI financing to construct and rehabilitate single-family homes.

"IRHA serves as a model for these programs and their ability to leverage funding," said HUD's Anchorage Field Office Director Colleen Bickford. "And with these funds, IRHA has substantially expanded its housing program."

Through the Section 184 program, IRHA has been able to acquire 16 units of rental housing in the Fairbanks community. The total loan amount of the four Section 184 loans is $1,222,467. All of IRHA's Section 184 loans have been received during federal fiscal year 2006.

"We were very surprised and appreciative to receive this recognition from HUD," said IRHA's Executive Director Steve Ginnis. "IRHA staff have worked hard to learn and use the Title VI program, and the results are obvious in our villages. People are happy,
and more homes are being built in a short period of time."

"We commend our IRHA staff, and HUD's Title VI staff for expediting our loan guarantees," Ginnis added.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

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