PRESQUE ISLE — Of the four Maine Native American communities slated to receive more that $2.7 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, who will receive $506,546.
The Houlton Band of Maliseets will receive $380,232, the Indian Township Passamaquoddy Housing Authority will receive $947,801 and the Penobscot Tribe will receive $937,990.
The funding is part of $563 million that HUD announced on June 12 to 353 American Indian and Alaskan Native entities that represent 539 tribes across the U.S.
Provided through HUD’s Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program, these funds are distributed annually to eligible Indian tribes or their tribally designated housing entities for a broad range of affordable housing activities.
“Hardworking American families in tribal communities should be able to live in communities where they have a fair shot to reach their potential,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “The resources provided today will give these tribal communities the tools to maintain quality housing, prevent overcrowding, improve public safety and provide other basic building blocks of security and success.”
IHBG funds primarily benefit hardworking families, living on reservations or in other Native American communities, who don’t have the financial resources to maintain good homes, schools, or other key contributors to economic security. The amount of each grant is based on a formula that considers local needs and housing units under management by the tribe or designated entity.
Indian communities can use the funding for a variety of housing activities, including building affordable housing; providing assistance to existing housing that was developed under the Indian Housing Program authorized by the U.S. Housing Act of 1937; or other activities that create new approaches to provide more affordable housing for Native Americans. The funding is also used to offer housing services to eligible families and individuals; and establish crime prevention and safety measures.
