HUD AWARDS $100,000 IN INDIAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANTS TO MAINE TRIBE
Funding helps support jobs, housing programs

BOSTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced $100,000 in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) allocations to the Aroostook Band of Micmacs tribe of Maine. Annual IHBG funds are distributed based on a formula to eligible Indian tribes or their tribally designated housing entities for a range of affordable housing activities.

They are intended to primarily benefit low-income Indian families living on Indian reservations or in other American Indian communities. The amount of the grant is based on a formula that considers local needs and housing units under management by the tribe or designated entity.

"This funding is vital because it provides the Aroostock Band of Micmacs the flexibility to design and implement appropriate, place-based housing programs, according to local needs and customs," said HUD New England Regional Administrator Barbara Fields.

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 asa 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 @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.