The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced more than $73.9 million in Indian Community Block Grant-American Rescue Plan (ICDBG-ARP) grants to 68 Tribal communities. The announcement, made during a press call with HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman, underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to delivering equitable COVID-19 relief to Tribal communities.
A breakdown of the awards by recipient is available here.
These funds to Tribes will help protect the health and safety of their communities, particularly low-and moderate-income individuals and families, by expanding access to safe housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunities.
“HUD understands its responsibility to Indigenous communities. These awards will provide critical funding to Tribes to help them prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19,” said HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman. “These awards reiterate the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to working together to meet urgent housing and community development needs in Tribal communities.”
This announcement comes before the White House Tribal Nations Summit on November 15 and 16. This summit will build upon President Biden’s commitment to strengthening the federal relationship with Tribal Nations and fulfills a commitment to reinstate the Tribal Nations Conference that was held annually throughout the Obama-Biden Administration. The Summit will provide Tribal leaders from 574 federally recognized Tribes the opportunity to engage and consult directly with the President and members of the Cabinet, including HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge.
HUD and the Biden-Harris Administration have made delivering equitable COVID-19 relief to Tribal communities a priority. The American Rescue Plan Act provides $750 million dollars in HUD resources to Indian Country to support the continued fight against COVID-19. Earlier this year, HUD made a historic $450 million investment in Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBG) to Indian tribes across the country to respond to COVID-19. The Department also invested $5 million in COVID-19 relief for Native Hawaiians.
HUD and the Biden-Harris Administration remain committed to meeting and prioritizing the needs of Native communities.