What’s happening: A new program recently launched by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) aims to build housing capacity among the 12 federally-acknowledged tribal nations in Michigan. A $3 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, the largest grant awarded to a single organization in the Bank’s history, will help MSHDA do just that.
What it is: The Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program (TNHDAP) intends to build on tribal nations’ existing housing capacity by providing resources and support tailored to each of the 12 tribal nations in Michigan. The TNHDAP will both assist in building new housing, and renovating and upgrading existing homes.
Why it’s important: “At MSHDA, we are always looking to find new and innovative ways to bring attainable and affordable housing to Michiganders across the state,” says Amy Hovey, MSHDA chief executive officer and executive director. “Because of this funding and support, Michigan’s sovereign tribal nations will be better equipped with the resources and knowledge they need to expand their affordable housing capacity within their communities.”
How it will work: The program’s first phase begins with an outreach and housing needs assessment program, the results of which will be utilized by the National American Indian Housing Council to develop a housing finance and development toolkit tailored to each of the tribal nations. The second phase includes in-person training sessions, technical assistance, and more. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis supports the program with up to $3 million in grant money, which will be used for outreach efforts, capacity building, and bridging project financing gaps.
More information for TNHDAP is available
via the MSHDA website.
Who’s eligible: The 12 federally-acknowledged tribal nations eligible for MSHDA’s Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program include Bay Mills Indian Community; Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians; Hannahville Potawatomi Indian Community; Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi; Keweenaw Bay Indian Community; Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians; Little River Band of Ottawa Indians; Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians; Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan; Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians; Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
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