The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a total of $8.3 million to be awarded among four tribes in Arizona for housing or other community improvements.
The Tohono Oβodham Nation is receiving $2.5 million in federal funding to build 15 houses for families to purchase. The capital of the nation is Sells, which is about 60 miles southwest of Tucson.
The Tohono Oβodham Ki:Ki (Housing) Association will construct houses for individuals who have been waiting years to purchase a home, according to a news release last week. The new homes will allow families to be able to move back to the nation and join their extended families in cultural and traditional ceremonies.
Families also will have access to social, educational, health and other services provided by the nation that they are not able to receive living off the reservation, according to officials.
βThese grants will support our Native American communities as they work to improve housing conditions and neighborhoods,β said HUD Secretary Ben Carson in the release. βHUD will continue to be a steadfast partner to tribes as they design and execute their community development plans.β
The other Arizona nations are:
- The Navajo Nation, which is receiving $1.4 million to extend power lines in Lupton, Indian Wells, Leupp and Navajo Mountain.
- The San Carlos Housing Authority, which is receiving $1.9 million to rehabilitate 30 rental units that were built in 1994.
- The White Mountain Apache Housing Authority, which is receiving $2.5 million to renovate 35 rental units in the One Step Beyond subdivision in Whiteriver.
