HUD ANNOUNCES $249,430 TO SUPPORT AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN KANSAS

KANSAS CITY, KS - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded $249,430 to one Native American community. HUD awarded $249,430 to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Provided through HUD's Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program, these funds are distributed annually to eligible Indian tribes or their tribally designated housing entities for a broad range of affordable housing activities.

"These grants help to forge solutions to improve housing and economic conditions for some of America's most culturally rich neighborhoods," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "I'm ecstatic to see these communities using public funds creatively and intelligently to create lasting results for countless families."

"These funds are essential in supporting a range of affordable housing activities for this community in Kansas," said Deputy Regional Administrator, Theresa Porter.

IHBG funds primarily benefit hardworking families, living on reservations or in other Native American communities, who don't have the financial resources to maintain good homes, schools, or other key contributors to economic security. 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.

Indian communities can use the funding for a variety of housing activities, including building affordable housing; providing assistance to existing housing that was developed under the Indian Housing Program authorized by the U.S. Housing Act of 1937; or other activities that create new approaches to provide more affordable housing for Native Americans. The funding is also used to offer housing services to eligible families and individuals; and establish crime prevention and safety measures. The block grant approach to housing was established 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 espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/HUDNews or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.