HUD ANNOUNCES $1.1 MILLION TO SUPPORT AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR THE APACHE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA CITY - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded a $1,146,812 grant to the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma Housing Authority.  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 are a great start in forging 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."

HUD Regional Administrator Tammye Treviño added, "Simply put, these funds mean housing and housing services for the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma. The IHBG program provides Native American Communities the flexibility to address their own affordable housing needs."

IHBG funds primarily benefit families living on reservations or in other Native American communities who don't have the financial resources to obtain or maintain good homes; a key 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 tribally designated housing entity.

The block grant approach to housing Native Americans was established by the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA). Indian communities can use the funding to develop, operate, maintain or support affordable rental or homeownership activities. The funding is also used to offer housing services to eligible families and individuals, to establish crime prevention and safety measures, and for other activities that create new approaches to provide more affordable housing for Native Americans.

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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 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.