Washington, D.C.– Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today congratulated the Tonto Apache Tribe and the Ak-Chin Indian Community for receiving housing awards of $54,019 and $384,994, respectively, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grants come through the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996, which awards funds to tribes through a formula based on need and prior funding levels.

The funds can be used for several objectives, including operating assistance, development of affordable housing – which may consist of new construction, acquisition, modernization or rehabilitation of rental or owner-occupied housing – housing services, housing management for low-income housing, crime prevention safety, and model activities.

According to an article published earlier this year in Indian Country Today:

Since the market high in 2005, mortgages to Native people, probably the most underserved population in the country, have fallen by more than two-thirds, according to 2008 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data, which measures loans both on- and off-reservation (and doesn’t break out the two categories).

Last year, just $17.5 billion in mortgages was extended to Native people (American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders), down from $53.7 billion in 2005. American Indians and Alaska Natives in particular were hurt the most.

“The grant program administered by HUD continues to provide critical funding for tribes both in Arizona and around the country,” said Rep. Grijalva of the announcement. “I commend Tribal leaders for their commitment to assisting members with these vital resources. Their efforts to make homes safer for children and more affordable for families are essential public services on Native land, just as they are throughout the country.”

For more information, call Ivan Smith of the Tonto Apache at (928) 474-5000 or Louis Manuel Jr. of the Ak-Chin at (520) 569-1013.