HUD: $2.7 million to deliver equitable COVID-19 relief to Tribal communities in New York

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the awarding of more than $52 million in Indian Community Block Grant-American Rescue Plan (ICDBG-ARP) grants to 49 Tribal communities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made by HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman during a speaking engagement at the National American Indian Housing Council’s Legal Symposium.

A breakdown of the awards by recipient is available here. 

HUD noted, “These funds to Tribes will help protect the health and safety of their communities, particularly low- and moderate-income individuals and families, by expanding access to safe housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunities.

Todman said, “I’m pleased to announce these robust resources for Tribal communities to meet urgent housing, community, and economic development needs. The funding HUD is awarding today will support our mission to ensure that every person has the security of a healthy, safe and resilient home and community. HUD looks forward to ongoing partnerships with Tribal communities to expand equity and opportunity and strengthen nation-to-nation relationships.”

HUD Deputy Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey Stephen Murphy said, “These two American Rescue Plan grants to the Seneca Nation Housing Authority and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe will fund the construction and acquisition of new housing for Tribal families in New York. The new residences will alleviate housing shortages experienced by both tribes during the COVID-19 pandemic; these permanent homes will go a long way toward keeping residents safe and healthy.” 

This announcement follows HUD’s awarding of $74 million in ICDBG-ARP grants to 68 Tribal communities in November. The American Rescue Plan included a total of $280 million for the Indian Community Development Block Grant program; HUD will announce additional ICDBG-ARP awards on a rolling basis.

The American Rescue Plan Act provides a total of $750 million in HUD resources to Indian Country to support the continued fight against COVID-19. Earlier this year, HUD made a historic $450 million investment in Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBG-ARP) to Indian tribes across the country to respond to COVID-19. The department also invested $5 million in COVID-19 relief for Native Hawaiians.