Senator Murray, Tribal Leaders Announce Millions in Housing Funding for Tribes in Washington State

Awards come as part of the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program, which Senator Murray successfully worked to strengthen funding for in recent spending bills 

Combined funding totals more than $17.3 million in housing assistance for tribes to develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing to benefit Native American families who have low incomes

HUD Report: “[T]he overcrowding and physical housing problems of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIANs) living on reservations and other tribal areas remain strikingly more severe than those of other Americans” – MORE HERE 

Senator Murray: “Every family deserves a safe, secure home, and I’m proud to announce this crucial funding to tackle some of the unique housing issues that tribal communities here in Washington state face”

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined local tribal leaders to announce more than $17.3 million in federal funds going to five tribes across Washington state. The housing awards are part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program, which provides funding to Native American tribes and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) to develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing, with a focus on providing housing and other resources for low-income Native American families.

“Every family deserves a safe, secure home, and I’m proud to announce this crucial funding to tackle some of the unique housing issues that tribal communities here in Washington state face,” Senator Murray said. “I’ve consistently fought to strengthen funding for the Indian Housing Block Grant Program, which is an important tool that allows communities to address homelessness and housing insecurity on tribal lands. And as a voice for our state, I will keep working in partnership with Indian Country to ensure that federal funds from this and other vital programs continue flowing to tribes in Washington state and across the country.”

According to a report by HUD, more than 50% of Native American households in the Pacific Northwest qualify as low-income (less than 80% of median income). The report also details the extent to which Native American households in tribal areas deal with physical housing deficiencies, such as heating or plumbing deficiencies, at a much higher rate than other U.S. households. In her role as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray has successfully fought for increased funding for the IHBG Program, which helps to combat the housing issues that specifically plague tribal communities, in particular those who qualify as low-income.

See a full breakdown of federal awards going to Washington state tribes below:

See some quotes from grant recipients in Washington state below:

“The grant will have a major impact on low-income housing for the Kalispel Tribe.  Providing numerous units that will reduce overcrowding and provide healthy and safe affordable homes for Kalispel tribal families.” Said Rebekah Sutch, Planning Director of the Kalispel Tribe.

“The Tribe is committed to building a healthy community for all of our tribal members.  We plan to utilize this grant to build 30 housing units committed to families or individuals in recovery and families working on active reunification.  The Muckleshoot Tribal Council will do everything it can to ensure that our members seeking help to better their lives can receive that help.  I want to thank HUD for supporting this project and Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell, and Congresswoman Schrier for their assistance.” Said Muckleshoot Tribe Chairman Jaison Elkins.

“We are grateful for the help and support of Senator Murray and her staff in securing a much needed grant for the development of affordable housing on the Yakama Reservation.  This grant award will have immediate impact on our affordable housing programs,” said Delano Saluskin, Chairman of the Yakama Tribal Council Loan, Extension, Education and Housing Committee. “Our Yakama tribal council and housing staff are pleased to hear the award announcement.”

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