HUD ANNOUNCES INDIAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANTS FOR CONNECTICUT

BOSTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced $76,464 in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) allocations to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe of Connecticut. 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.

IHBG funds are intended to primarily benefit low-income families living on Indian reservations or in other 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.

"These funds are making a real difference in tribal communities each and every day," said HUD Regional Administrator Barbara Fields. "Projects include affordable housing, infrastructure upgrades, community centers and safety programs that every community needs to thrive. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to ensure Native American communities can build their economies in response to their needs and as they see fit."

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 (NAHASDA).

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