$10 Million Allocated to Help Homeless Veterans in Native American Communities

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently declared the allocation of over $10 million in funds a significant step forward in addressing homelessness among Native American veterans. 

This funding is specifically aimed to assist these veterans in securing and maintaining affordable, high-quality housing. It marks a concerted effort under broader strategies to improve living conditions for Native American and Tribal communities, with a focus on supporting veterans without homes in these areas.

Adrianne Todman, the Acting HUD Secretary, highlighted the initiative's core mission: "Expanding services for homeless Native American veterans to secure and maintain housing is a top priority. This significant renewal of funding today emphasizes our commitment to sustaining quality, safe and affordable housing for those veterans across Indian Country who proudly served our nation.”

This financial injection will benefit the HUD-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Housing (Tribal HUD-VASH) program. Thanks to this funding, 29 grant recipients can now offer more robust rental assistance and supportive services tailored for Tribal veterans who are on the verge of homelessness or are currently without a home. 

This funding round promises to secure housing for close to 500 Native American Veterans through the Tribal HUD-VASH program, and it aims to reach even more homeless veterans.

Richard Monocchio, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, expressed pride in bolstering Tribal efforts through the Tribal HUD-VASH program, acknowledging the dedication and expertise that have gone into its implementation. This is seen as a homage to the service and sacrifice of all Native American Veterans.

The HUD-VASH initiative is critical in providing housing solutions to veterans confronting homelessness. This program combines the efforts of HUD’s housing assistance and the VA’s case management and supportive services. 

Since its launch, it has successfully delivered housing or case management services to over 1,000 Native American Veterans, significantly reducing veteran homelessness by over 50% since the year 2010.

Native American communities disproportionately face housing challenges, with an estimated 42,000 to 85,000 Native Americans living in non-permanent situations or with relatives due to a lack of housing. The Biden-Harris Administration is actively working to strengthen ties with Tribal Nations and promote Tribal sovereignty, particularly by addressing housing needs within Indian Country. 

This effort is supported by significant federal funding through initiatives like the American Rescue Plan and the Investing in America agenda, reflecting a historic financial commitment to the needs of Tribal Nations and Native communities.

For additional details on the grant recipients of the latest Tribal HUD-VASH program funding, further information is available here.

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