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ONAP logo Office of Native American Programs (ONAP)
 

HUD's Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) administers housing and community development programs that benefit American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments, tribal members, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Native Hawaiians, and other Native American organizations. Read more about ONAP’s mission, funding programs, directory, and program accomplishments.

What's New on Codetalk

Dear Tribal Leaders Letter announcing establishment of a Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee. Nominations due February 21, 2017!
December 21, 2016

Published today the Dear Tribal Leaders Letter from HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, Lourdes Castro Ramirez, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American Programs, Heidi Frechette, announces the establishment of HUD’s Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee and calls for nominations to that committee. This Committee will facilitate communication between HUD and tribal leaders on housing priorities and strengthen capacity building opportunities. The Committee will enhance regular, meaningful consultation and collaboration between federal and tribal officials. Instructions for nominating a tribal official to the Committee are outlined in the Federal Register notice. Nominations are due by February 21, 2017.


Online training tools for Environmental Review now available
December 20, 2016

Web-based Instructional System for Environmental Review (WISER) - This online training series from HUD’s Office of Environment offers specific information on environmental topics, enabling users to evaluate topics such as risk to endangered species, considerations regarding bodies of water such as rivers, ponds and wetlands, as well as how to achieve environmental justice goals and protect HUD-assisted projects from excessive noise. Each module includes a downloadable key definitions PDF, knowledge checks to confirm comprehension, and links to needed resources.

To explore this new curriculum, visit the WISER webpage.


Dear Tribal Leaders Letter regarding Coordinated Environmental Review Initiative. Comments due February 12, 2017.
December 14, 2016

As the lead agency in the federal effort to develop a coordinated environmental review process for housing and housing-related infrastructure in Indian Country, HUD issued a Dear Tribal Leader letter requesting review and comments on the draft interagency Memorandum of Understanding and its companion draft Statement of Intent, which are intended to encourage the use of tools that can streamline the federal environmental review process. The final documents will be used by entities, including tribes, that are responsible for conducting federal environmental reviews.

HUD will present a webinar to discuss the two draft documents on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. EST.
Conference call: (877) 336-1839
Code: 9110500

If you have any questions about the letter or attachments, please contact Hilary Atkin, 202-402-3427.

Join Skype Meeting

This is an online meeting for Skype for Business, the professional meetings and communications app formerly known as Lync.


Job Vacancies! HUD Native American Program Support Specialist and Program Assistant in Washington DC
December 12, 2016

HUD’s Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) is accepting applications for:


Tribal HUD-VASH technical correction Notice was published
December 6, 2016

Today’s Federal Register notice makes technical correction to the October 21, 2015, notice to clarify the program’s intent and to address various issues that have risen during the implementation of the Tribal HUD-Veterans Supportive Housing (VASH) program.


Job Vacancy! HUD Lead Grants Management Specialist 
December 6, 2016

ONAP is accepting applications for a Lead Grants Management Specialist in Washington, DC. Application due date: December 19, 2016. Click Here to apply.


Section 184 Annual Fee Increase Notice and FAQs
December 1, 2016

Effective December 1, 2016 the new annual loan guarantee fee will increase from .0015 to .0025 percent for Section 184 case numbers issued on or after December 1, 2016. The new annual premium will apply to all new loan guarantees, including refinances. Read the full Federal Register Notice HERE. Frequently Asked Questions HERE. The revised Section 184 MCAW (Amortization and fee schedule tab has been changed to reflect the annual fee of .0025).


Update to Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program Processing Guideline Changes
December 1, 2016

A November 15, 2016 memo notifies lenders of changes to PIH Notice 2014-22 that impact Section 184 loans. The amendment is effective for all Section 184 Case Numbers issued on or after December 1, 2016.


FHE Mortgage Letter guidance on calculating student loan payments for Section 184 loans
December 1, 2016

FHA Mortgagee Letter 2016-08, effective June 30, 2016 provides the FHA guidance regarding documentation requirements and the standard for calculating monthly obligations for all student loans, regardless of payment type or status of payments. The FHA policy applies to Section 184 Loans. 


Final Rule Published! 24 CFR Part 1000 Revisions to the Indian Housing Block Grant Program Formula
November 22, 2016

Published in the Federal Register today, this final rule revises the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program allocation formula authorized by section 302 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996, as amended (NAHASDA). Through the IHBG Program, HUD provides federal housing assistance for Indian tribes in a manner that recognizes the right of Indian self-determination and tribal self-government. HUD negotiated this final rule with active tribal participation and using the procedures of the Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990. The regulatory changes reflect the consensus decisions reached by HUD and the tribal representatives on ways to improve and clarify the current regulations governing the IHBG Program formula. The new regulation will take effect for the fiscal year 2018 IHBG allocations. One of the most significant changes will be that the formula data will be drawn from the United States Decennial Census and the (U. S. Census) American Community Survey; however, there will be adjustments to minimize the volatility such change could trigger. Other changes include administrative changes to the demolition language and conveyance requirements, and an increase to the minimum grant amount.


Equal Access Rule Published
November 17, 2016

Today, HUD published the Equal Access to Housing in HUD’s Native American and Native Hawaiian Programs Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Rule. Read the official Rule in the Federal Register HERE


Webinar on HUD Proposed Rule on Floodplain Elevation Standards Thursday, December 8th at 2:00 pm EST/ 11:00 am PST
November 15, 2016

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is hosting a webinar to discuss the proposed rule on new elevation standards for all new HUD-supported properties. The proposed rule would revise 24 CFR Part 55, Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands, to require that newly constructed or substantially improved (as defined in 24 CFR 55.2(b)(10)) structures be elevated two or three feet above the site’s base flood elevation (also called '100-year floodplain'). In addition, the proposed rule would enlarge the horizontal floodplain area to reflect the vertical increase for projects processed under Part 55.

Informational webinar: Thursday, December 8th at 2:00pm (Eastern Time)
Skype live meeting webinar link HERE
For audio, call (877) 336-1839, Access code: 9110500

Questions? Contact Hilary Atkin, Environmental Clearance Officer, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs at (202) 402-3427 or visit HUD Environmental Review website


Webinar: Hosting an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer to work on community climate resilience projects- November 10, 2016 @ 2:00.
November 7, 2016

The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and the BIA Climate Office are partnering to identify Tribes and Tribal organizations wishing to host a VISTA volunteer to work on community climate resilience projects. Volunteers can serve as a resource to help provide capacity for community-driven projects that address pressing local climate change concerns. Through the Tribal Resiliency initiative, AmeriCorps VISTA will cover the cost of the VISTA stipend and other benefits volunteers receive. See an example of a current announcement for a Resilient VISTA volunteer to help the Fon du Lac Tribal and Community College in collaboration the the Fon du Lac Band. Please join the webinar to learn more about how to apply, or contact Al Kuslikis: akusklikis@aihec.org.

WHEN: 2:00pm Eastern, Thursday, November 10, 2016
WHERE: http://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?sigKey=blm&i=814187509&p=11032016&t=c
Call-in: 1-877-951-3850 Passcode: 11032016


NEW ONAP Program Guidance 2016-06 Published. ICDBG Imminent Threat Program
October 31, 2016

The Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Imminent Threat (IT) program guidance describes the criteria for the program, includes examples of funded applications, and explains the procedures for requesting such funds. IT grants are intended to alleviate or remove imminent threats to health or safety, in that an emergency situation exists or would exist if the problem were not addressed. The grant ceiling for imminent threat requests is $450,000, or $900,000 for Presidentially declared disasters. Click Here for full text.


ONAP Program Guidance 2016-05: Tribal HUD-VASH record keeping at initial occupancy
October 24, 2016

This program guidance provides guidance to Tribal HUD-Veterans Supportive Housing Program (Tribal HUD-VASH) recipients concerning record keeping at initial occupancy of eligible Native American veterans. Read the full text Here


Assets for Independence IDA program funds available
October 24, 2016

Nonprofits can apply by October 31, 2016 or April 3, 2017 for grants to administer projects that provide individual development accounts and related services to low-income individuals. State, local, and tribal governments, as well as CDFIs and credit unions, are also eligible in specific situations. Participants can use savings for a first home, a business, or post-secondary education or training. Request an application package at http://idaresources.acf.hhs.gov/apply or from info@IDAresources.org.


Webinar on Tribal Housing Funding Opportunities and Indoor Air Quality- Oct. 18th, 2:30pm EST
October 14, 2016

The U.S. EPA Indoor Environments Division and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals are hosting “Preparing for FY17—Tribal Housing Funding Opportunities” as part of their Fall 2016 Tribal Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Healthy Homes Webinar Series. Participants will learn about innovative green and sustainable building design and projects from tribal building experts; learn how to be effective in gaining support from tribal council and tribal members; and will hear from federal tribal housing staff about upcoming fiscal year 2017 opportunities in federal tribal housing funding. The webinar will include a presentation by ONAP. This webinar is intended for tribal healthy housing professionals and public health and environmental professionals interested in healthy tribal housing. The webinar is taking place on October 18, 2016, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. EDT. Register Here.


BIA issues Contract Guide for Mortgage Lending
October 3, 2016

Attention Section 184 Partners: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), has issued a Contract Guide for Mortgage Lending, published September 2016. This guides provides guidance for mortgage lending in Indian Country, including on trust and allotted lands:

Guide includes:

  • Flowchart
  • Instructions
  • Routing slip
  • Map of the BIA regions
  • Address and phone numbers for all BIA Offices (listed by region)
  • Land area codes

Secretary Castro reflects on his experiences in Native communities and writes “Equipping Native Youth to Become the Leaders of Tomorrow”
September 28, 2016


HUD welcomes 120 Youth Ambassadors to the 2016 National Native Youth Summit HUD welcomes 120 Youth Ambassadors to the 2016 National Native Youth Summit
September 27, 2016

On September 23-27th, 120 Native Youth Ambassadors, ages 14-17, representing 30 tribes, participated in HUD’s National Native Youth Summit in Washington, DC, with the goal of developing, and encouraging the next generation of Native community leaders. Youth Ambassadors met with national leaders, examined the history and inner workings of federal government, and shared experiences and perspectives from their communities. They explored the impact that homes have on community, culture, health, education, conservation, and the environment.

Throughout the Summit in Washington, DC Youth Ambassadors began the process of developing a Local Empowerment Project, a community development project, such as community beautification, youth council, community-based gardens, clean-up programs, mapping sacred spaces, distribute of information about energy efficiency in the home, and creating a community youth health club, that they will implement upon their return home.

Pictures from their visit with HUD Secretary Julián Castro can be viewed here.


HUD Secretary Julián Castro attends the 8thAnnual Tribal Nations ConferenceHUD Secretary Julián Castro attends the 8thAnnual Tribal Nations Conference
September 26, 2016

Secretary Castro participated in a conversation moderated by Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack about Choctaw Nation’s Connect Home success. Chief Batton’s tribe is leading the way for other tribal communities to narrow the digital divide.  Pictures of the event here and essay from the Secretary.


The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) announces Online Health Care Application
September 23, 2016

The Department of Veterans affairs has published a Fact Sheet outlining new steps VA is taking to improve Veterans access to health care.  The fastest and easiest way to apply for enrollment by enrolling onlineat https://www.vets.gov/healthcare/apply/.

 

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