News Release

HUD AWARDS THE GROS VENTRE & ASSINIBOINE TRIBES OF FORT BELKNAP $2,159,860 IN GRANTS TO IMPROVE HOUSING CONDITIONS FOR NATIVE AMERICANS

HELENA, MT – The Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Gros Ventre & Assiniboine Tribes of Fort Belknap $2,159,860 in grants today to improve housing conditions for Native Americans.

"This funding helps tribal communities provide decent, safe, affordable housing for its members," said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson, who announced the grants today. "HUD is proud to partner with tribal governments in our efforts to provide housing to all people."

The Tribe will use the funding for modernization and operation of existing units, a match for tax credit dollars, housing activities designated to carry out the purpose of the Act, all approved by HUD as appropriate.

The funding is from HUD's Indian Housing Block Grant Program. The program was established in 1996 under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination (NAHASDA) Act of 1996. NAHASDA reorganized the system of housing assistance to Native Americans from HUD by eliminating several separate programs of assistance and replacing them with this block grant program. Federally recognized Indian tribes or their tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) and some state recognized tribes are eligible for this formula grant.

The funding is used for a range of affordable housing activities on Indian reservations and Indian areas. Recipients can use the funding to build or rehabilitate existing housing; establish housing services such as community centers or clinics to support the housing; provide crime prevention and safety for housing and the creation of activities that provide creative approaches to solving affordable housing challenges in the community.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

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