HUD ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $5.2 MILLION IN INDIAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANTS FOR WISCONSIN

CHICAGO - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced more than $5.2 million in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) allocations to Lac Courte Oreilles and Menominee Indian Tribes in Wisconsin. 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. The state funds are part of more than $400 million distributed nationwide in funds today, and $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.

"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."

"These grants will help provide safe and affordable housing to our Native American families in Wisconsin and help create economic opportunities," said Antonio R. Riley, HUD's Midwest Regional Administrator.

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. You can also follow HUD on Twitter at @HUDnews or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.

FEBRUARY 2012 IHBG

The following Midwest Region communities have received IHBG funds under the allocations announced today: