The construction of housing in Indian Country has been so hampered by lack of funding and regulatory complexities that the need now seriously outstrips the demand. The Department of Housing and Urban Development found a need for 68,000 units to match current needs related to dilapidated and overcrowded housing on tribal lands.
Homes in Indian country are five times more likely than the national average to be overcrowded or to be lacking in basic plumbing, heating, or electrical utilities. Having an adequate and safe home base is the bedrock of economic development of a community – in Indian country and anywhere else.
Over the last few years, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) conducted a major assessment of housing needs on and off tribal lands, and published its report in March 2017. The report indicated that the framework of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA), which leaves the coordination of Indian housing programs primarily to tribes, was working better than previous models. The major constraint at this point, the authors reported, seemed to be inadequate funding.
Based on comprehensive data, the report estimated that it would be necessary to build about 33,000 new units to eliminate the problem of overcrowding, and another 35,000 new units to replace those with serious physical inadequacies –for a total need of about 68,000 new units. For the Indian Housing Block Grant, the National Congress of American Indians has recommended an increase to $700 million from the Fiscal Year 2017 funding of $654 million. In addition, the group recommends $70 million for the Indian Community Development Block Grant, which supports housing development in partnership with other programs and entities that strengthen communities.
The President’s budget proposes a $54 million cut for the Indian Housing Block Grant and a $60 million cut (all the way to $0 funding) for the Indian Community Development Block Grant, saying the programs are duplicative and that the savings are needed for the higher priorities of defense and homeland security.
The Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund received a total allocation of $7.5 million in 2016, and $7.2 million in 2017 to leverage state, tribal and private investments to improve housing options.The President’s proposal would offer $0. The President’s budget would also eliminate $3.8 billion that has been available for low income home energy assistance.
The Senate and House Committees on Appropriations, Subcommittees on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development will consider Indian Housing programs. See the members here.