HUD makes historic $3.7 million investment to provide COVID-19 relief funding to Native American communities

American Rescue plan funding will help tribal communities respond to pandemic

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia L. Fudge on Thursday announced $450 million in Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBG) to Indian tribes across the country to respond to COVID-19. This funding will be used to help tribes carry out affordable housing activities to protect the safety and health of their tribal members and communities.

The list of tribes can be found here.

The Biden-Harris administration’s “Help is Here” tour focuses on showing how the American Rescue Plan provides relief to state, local, territorial and tribal governments and lift up their communities from the pandemic and economic recession.

“With the enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, President Biden is making a clear statement that the federal government is committed to ensuring equitable access to communities hardest hit by the pandemic,” Fudge said. “HUD understands the significance of our responsibility to serve American Indian and Alaska Native families, and the department is dedicated to working in a government-to-government manner with tribes to quickly bring much-needed relief to tribal communities.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic devastated Native American communities, and the $3.7 million provided to New York tribes through the American Rescue Plan can help alleviate housing conditions that exacerbate viral transmission rates,” said Stephen Murphy, HUD deputy regional administrator for New York and New Jersey. “According to the CDC, Native Americans have one of the highest risks for severe COVID-19 outcomes; these funds will assist in improving housing and providing services that keep tribal residents safe.”

Indian Housing Block Grants primarily benefit low-income American Indian and Alaska Native families. The amount of each grant is based on a formula that considers local needs and housing units managed. Eligible activities for the funds include housing development, operation and maintenance, modernization of existing housing, housing services to eligible families and individuals, housing management services, crime prevention and safety activities, and model activities that provide creative approaches to solving affordable housing problems.