News Release

$5.2 MILLION IN HUD FUNDING IS AVAILABLE TO REPAIR NATIVE AMERICAN HOMES DESTROYED BY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRES
Nearly 100 homes at four Indian reservations are lost to raging fires

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has $5.2 million in funding available for federally recognized tribes to restore communities and repair homes lost to the wildfires that have devastated Southern Californians.

"HUD is doing all it can for California families, including our first Americans, who have suddenly become homeless, said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson.  "These resources may be used to help pay the cost of temporary housing for displaced families.  We want to help them stabilize and rebuild their lives as quickly as possible.

So far, nearly 100 homes have been destroyed at four California reservations, including Rincon, La Jolla, and Barona.  Other reservations that have been evacuated are Pauma, Pala, Sycuan, Jamul and Viejas.

The funding available to these tribal communities comes from the following HUD Native American programs:

Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBG) – Combined, these tribes have received from HUD nearly $1.4 million in IHBG funding that can be used to assist in a disaster such as the fires.  All federally recognized tribes are eligible for this funding that allows them to execute a range of affordable housing activities on Indian reservations and Indian areas.  Homeowners who were not insured can tap this funding through their housing authority to rebuild destroyed homes or rehabilitate homes that were damaged.  Other housing where low-income Indian families reside can be restored using this funding as well.  IHBG funds may also be used for tenant-based rental assistance for low-income families that are temporarily displaced.

Indian Community Development Block Grants – Special set-aside funding of $3.7 million is available under this program to provide relief to these tribes for imminent threat to tribal areas.  This funding can also be used to repair or restore tribal facilities, such as community centers, clinics, or other common services on the reservation.  Tribes affected by the fires can receive up to $450,000.

Section 184 Loan Guarantee – Loan guarantees may also be used by qualified Native American families at any income level to repair or replace housing.

HUD's Southwest Office of Native American Programs in Phoenix, Arizona is in close contact with the tribes, other federal agencies such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and local entities to stay apprised of the housing needs of Native Americans.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.