HUD AWARDS $2 MILLION IN INDIAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANTS TO 3 IDAHO TRIBES

BOISE - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded $2,054,972 in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) allocations to three tribes in Idaho. IHBG funds are distributed annually under a formula to eligible tribes or their tribally-designated housing entities for a range of affordable housing activities.

The awards are part of some $404 million distributed nationwide today. An additional $250 million in IHBG funds are still to be allocated among Native American communities throughout the country this year. 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.

The Idaho tribes receiving awards today are:

"These funds are making a real difference in tribal communities each and every day," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "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."

"Affordable housing is a critical need in Indian Country," said HUD Northwest Regional Administrator Mary McBride. "These HUD funds will assist tribes in meeting their housing needs through sustainable and innovative practices that reflect their culture, heritage, and environmental stewardship."

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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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and http://espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.