Additional funding builds on successful rental assistance program for Native American veterans
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner today announced $2.2 million in new available funding under the Tribal HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program. This program delivers critical rental assistance for Native American veterans who are – or who are risk of becoming – homeless in Tribal communities across the nation. Secretary Turner made the announcement after touring the Oneida Tribe reservation with Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI-08) and visiting with Oneida Tribe leadership.
This expansion announcement is the result of approximately $2.2 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 funds that were not exhausted and are now available for grants to support the expansion of rental assistance for Native American Veterans who qualify. HUD invites Tribes and Tribal Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) to apply for this expansion funding here.
“It was informative and inspiring to see how Oneida Tribal leadership serve their members, including by providing housing and wrap around services to create economic opportunity and pathways to self-sufficiency for Native American families,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner. “For about a decade, the Oneida Tribe has utilized HUD-VASH to support Native American veterans with a specialized set of tools and resources. Today’s announcement of newly available funds will help expand this impactful program to more Native American veterans across the country.”
“The Oneida Nation welcomed HUD to our reservation in the early 1960’s and since that time we have worked to provide affordable adequate housing for our citizens,” said Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Hill. “Across the country, tribes continue to have unmet needs on reservations, and projects such as VASH move tribes closer to closing the gap. We’re pleased to have Secretary Turner come to Oneida for a firsthand experience and tour of our housing community.”
“The Oneida Nation is an integral part of Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, and I have pledged to always be a partner to them in Washington,” said Congressman Wied (R-WI). “That’s why I am proud to stand alongside Secretary Turner to announce this vital new funding for the Tribal HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program. Our Native American veterans risked their lives for our country, and they should never have to worry about losing their housing on tribal lands. I thank the Secretary for his leadership and look forward to continuing our strong partnership to protect Native residents across Northeast Wisconsin.”
“The Department of Housing and Urban Development is a dedicated partner in helping VA reduce homelessness among all Veterans,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins.“We look forward to working with HUD to put this additional funding to great use helping Native American Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find shelter and self-sufficiency.”
ABOUT THE ONEIDA TRIBE OF WISCONSIN
The Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin has provided housing to Native American veterans through the Tribal HUD-VASH program for nearly 10 years. Oneida Nation provides tenant-based housing assistance in Brown County and Outagamie County, Wisconsin. Current data reflects a 95% program utilization rate of the Tribal HUD-VASH program. Their program serves members of the Oneida Nation and other tribes as well including Menominee Nation, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa.
ABOUT HUD-VASH
The Tribal HUD-VASH program combines HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance with case management and clinical services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). The Tribal HUD-VASH program is currently housing over 500 veterans in 29 Tribal communities across the country. Over 1,100 veterans have been served since the program’s inception.
New applicants and existing grantees are eligible to apply for funding to increase the number of Native veterans that can be assisted. The application deadline is August 15, 2025.