(The Center Square) – Over $233 million is being distributed among 20 tribes in Arizona for low-income housing efforts.
Out of the 20 grants issued, it varies greatly in size, with the Navajo Nation receiving $132.9 million, while others are receiving only slightly over $100,000. There are 22 tribes in Arizona, meaning that most are getting funding in the multi-millions while two are not receiving funding.
Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly touted the allocation of funds, as tribes like the Navajo face a poverty rate well above the national average.
“Arizona is facing an affordable housing crisis, which has hit our state’s Tribal communities especially hard. These grants will go a long way towards addressing the critical needs of Arizona’s Tribal communities and getting more Arizonans housed,” Kelly said in a statement. “By investing in affordable and accessible housing, we’re investing in the future of these communities and ensuring more families can thrive.”
Overall, the federal government doled out $1.1 billion for the Indian Housing Block Grant, which is part of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“All Arizonans deserve access to affordable housing. We’re proudly delivering today’s investments ensuring Tribal communities across Arizona have accessible, affordable places to call home,” Sinema said in a statement.
According to a HUD news release, the grant program has the most money it’s ever had with a 40% uptick from 2023.
“By prioritizing funding and support for housing in Tribal communities, HUD is living up to its mission of ensuring that everyone in this country has access to affordable housing options,” Acting HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman said in a statement.
In the United States, 12.9% of the Native American population resides in Arizona – which is the second-highest in the nation behind Oklahoma – according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
