Story Published:
Mar 2, 2010
Story Updated:
Mar 1, 2010
It’s either feast or famine for American Indian housing.
In fiscal year 2010, the federal Indian Housing Block Grant was funded for a record $700 million. In addition, tribes got a one-time boost from the stimulus of $510 million for housing, for a total of $1.2 billion.
But the fiscal 2011 request would cut the block grant to just $578 million, the lowest it has been in many years. That’s nearly 50 percent below the FY 2010 amount.
The cuts come as part of President Barack Obama’s pledge to freeze spending in certain areas to try to keep deficits down. The Department of Housing and Urban Development is one of the federal departments included in the freeze.
HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan cited the stimulus amount of $500 million as the rationale for the cut.
The National American Indian Housing Council is “concerned that the budget request underfunds most Native housing and community development programs.”
The budget request also zeroes out a couple of housing categories, like NAIHC’s technical assistance program and the Native Hawaiian Loan Guarantee (section 184A). These amounts may be adjusted, however, by Congressional action.
The FY 2011 request calls for $2 million to guarantee NAHASDA Title VI loans, and $8 million to guarantee HUD section 184 loans, as well as $6 million to go towards “Transformation Initiatives.” The Native Hawaiian housing block grant is set to be funded at $10 million.
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muse said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 3:40 PM
Indian housing remains an issue because we do not question our tribal leaders, housing authorities, ONAP, BIA, Indian Health, EPA or any of the many federally funded entities spending billions of dollars...and not building housing. Mold runs rampant in existing structures, housing stock should be condemned...but isn't, and yet we as a nation continue to do nothing but complain. How sad...when was the last time you spoke without fear of tribal retribution to make a difference in your community? Blame isn't the answer...doing something to change the situation is!
39223391oh whats that said on Monday, Mar 8 at 2:49 PM
Maybe we made a mistake. HA, I have to sit and listen to my tribal chair go on and on about the good of this admin. I walk out of the meetings SICK. When will our people wake up. Our numbers are large and we can make a difference if only we could stick together. We are like sitting ducks...with our hands out. Where is the native pride that I hear so much about. We are like sheep following any loud mouth that spouts this garbage.
38875801told you so said on Monday, Mar 8 at 2:41 PM
Keep voting for idiots like obama and see how far his word goes. You all line up for the great master, get your picture taken, and he SLAMS us right in the face again. Wake up, he is not our friend. watch what else he is planning for us. OH the Great White Leader is full of himself.
38875276dpwiese said on Sunday, Mar 7 at 10:29 PM
We have homeless Indian elders,families and children in Chicago.Last year's billion did not improve their situations.Why can't Indian people who live in cities get any help? Thank the Creator it is almost spring.Lower Wacker won't be so brutal.
38844299nativ3 said on Sunday, Mar 7 at 5:55 PM
I AGREE WITH Crisis,kevin,wampimashpee.I know our SO-CALLED tribal housing program doesn't help our people,the white eyes will take,take until we have nothing!they kept thier promise,The land,"OUR LAND".Greed,it will never change.WE bust our behinds working,paying taxes,and they want to RAISE THE TAXES,AGAIN.$$$$/GREED make the world revolve.The president NEEDS to KEEP HIS PROMISE,WHEN HE CAME TO OUR PEOPLE ASKIN 4 SUPPORT.Natives NEED TO SURVIVE,TOO.I want to know where all the stimulus money is,already embezzled?WE have alot of that on/in our tribe.Noone gets prosecuted."All our people NEED HOUSING,WE HAVE ELDERS, SINGLE PARENTS,AND HOMELESS NATIVES IN THE STREETS.There NEEDS TO BE ACTION TAKEN!
38835931Hawk said on Thursday, Mar 4 at 3:16 PM
Hud,needs to focus on the "corrupt" housing authority directors.
38677619Crisis said on Wednesday, Mar 3 at 2:41 AM
The fact is the Obama Administration is just trying to clean up the really big mess left behind by the Bush Administration. I would like to know why key Bush Administration people are not answering for what amounts to either borderline criminal behavior (if not more explicit) or incompetency?
38570159mike said on Tuesday, Mar 2 at 4:35 PM
Maybe HUD managers around the country should cut out the extravagent amount of money that they spend holding "periodic meetings" (in the finest cities of America); these meetings can easily been done via conference calls. Or is this luxury too much a part of the entrenced bureaucracy. Time will tell.
38541774WAMP1MASHPEE said on Tuesday, Mar 2 at 10:51 AM
HERE WE GO AGAIN PROMISE MY PEOPLE THE MOON AND GET THEM ON BOARD TO A BETTER WAY OF LIFE WITH A CHANCE OF OWNING A HOME AND THEN TAKE IT AWAY MAKE THE PRESIDENT LOOK GOOD AND THEN ITS GONE LETS PUT INDIAN COUNTRY TODAY ARTICLE IN THE MAIN STREAM NEWS PAPERS AND LET THE WORLDKNOW WHAT IS REALLY THE TRUTH OR BETTER YET TAKE ALL THE MONEY AND HELP EVERY COUNTRY WITH BILLIONS OF DOLLARS OTHER THEN OUR OWN IT LOOKS GOOD FOR OUR IMAGE YEAH RIGHT
38516489Kevin said on Tuesday, Mar 2 at 10:28 AM
Our so called president should cut all of his vacations and his golfing outings and all other things he does using our tax money. "Rich people first and poor people second in line as always." If you ask me we made a very big mistake voting in this no good guy.
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