HUD ANNOUNCES $800,000 IN INDIAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANTS FOR LOUISIANA
Some $400 million still to be allocated among Native American communities nationwide this year

NEW ORLEANS - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced $821,680 in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) allocations to 2 tribes in Louisiana (see list). 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 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 (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.

The following Louisiana communities have received IHBG funds under the allocations announced today, with some $400 million in IHBG funds still left to be designated nationwide to tribes in FY2011: