Local tribes to receive HUD COVID-19 relief funding
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County tribes are set to receive Indian Housing Block Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
On Thursday, HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge announced $450 million in Indian Housing Block Grants is being distributed to Indian tribes across the country to respond to COVID-19.
Of that total amount, $31 million will go to California tribes, HUD said.
“With the enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, President Biden is making a clear statement that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring equitable access to communities hardest hit by the pandemic,” Secretary Fudge said in the announcement. “HUD understands the significance of our responsibility to serve American Indian and Alaska Native families, and the Department is dedicated to working in a government-to-government manner with Tribes to quickly bring much-needed relief to Tribal communities.”
This funding will be used to help tribes carry out affordable housing activities to protect the safety and health of their tribal members and communities, the agency said.
Indian Housing Block Grants primarily benefit low-income American Indian and Alaska Native families. HUD said the amount of each grant is based on a formula that considers local needs and housing units managed.
Eligible activities for the funds include housing development, operation and maintenance, modernization of existing housing, housing services to eligible families and individuals, housing management services, crime prevention and safety activities, and model activities that provide creative approaches to solving affordable housing problems in Indian Country, according to the HUD announcement.
All seven of Lake County’s tribes are receiving funding in this round of allocations.
Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians will receive the largest funding amount, $352,499.
“The Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians will be utilizing the funds from HUD to address housing needs, housing-related issues, and issues directly related to the pandemic,” the tribe said in a statement issued to Lake County News.
Robinson Rancheria will receive $255,128; the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, $120,302; Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, $106,222; Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians, $91,299; Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians, $48,302; and Koi Nation of Northern California (Lower Lake), $35,007.
Sherry Treppa, Habematolel’s tribal chair, said the tribe has developed programs around utilities assistance and home repairs and she believes the new round of funds likely will be used that way, but a formal decision hasn’t been made.
While this latest federal funding has specific requirements, the tribe last year was able to reach out into the community to offer assistance from the federal CARES Act.
Treppa said the tribe created its own CARES Act to assist first responders and educators to address costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Habematolel gave $10,000 to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, $25,000 to the Northshore Fire Protection District and $30,000 to the Upper Lake Unified School District, Treppa reported.
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