The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) awarded $1 million in funding to seven tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) through its Native American Housing Opportunities (NAHO) Fund. FHLB Dallas introduced the NAHO Fund this year to address the housing needs of federally recognized tribes and TDHEs through grants of $50,000 to $150,000 per application.

Eligible uses for the NAHO Fund grants range from down payment, closing cost and rental assistance to repairs and new construction. The program also provides grants for administrative and operational expenses such as new program development and consultant fees for TDHEs.

“This fund reflects our understanding of the unique housing challenges faced by Native American communities,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “Through the NAHO Fund, we are proud to partner with our members and tribal housing organizations to foster long-term improvements and expansion of tribal housing.”

The 2024 award recipients are:

Louisiana

Charenton
Member: First National Bank Jeanerette
Sponsor: Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana
Grant: $150,000
The funds will be used for:

• Roof repairs and preventive maintenance repairs under the Chitimacha Tribal Elderly Housing Emergency Assistance Program

Mississippi

Choctaw
Member: The Citizens Bank
Sponsor: Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
Grant: $150,000
The funds will be used for:

• 10 home rehabilitation projects

• 20 delinquent-household assistance programs

• 12 homebuyer education classes

New Mexico

Espanola
Member: Del Norte Credit Union
Sponsor: Santa Clara Pueblo Housing Authority
Grant: $150,000
The funds will be used for:

• A housing-needs assessment to identify specific housing needs of the Santa Clara Pueblo community that inform policy and funding decisions

Jemez Pueblo
Member: Wells Fargo
Sponsor: Pueblo of Jemez Housing Authority
Grant: $138,895
The funds will be used for:

• Hiring a consultant to prepare a preliminary cost analysis and financial structuring for the Pueblo Place Housing Subdivision Phase II project – an affordable housing project comprising both homeownership and rental units

Santa Fe
Member: Southwest Capital Bank
Sponsor: San Ildefonso Housing Authority
Grant: $118,305
The funds will be used for:

• Accounting software to improve financial management capacity and for hiring a qualified construction manager for the Deer Tail Phase II project, which will create 27 owner-occupied units for the San Ildefonso tribal members

San Felipe Pueblo
Member: Southwest Capital Bank
Sponsor: San Felipe Pueblo Housing Authority
Grant: $142,800
The funds will be used for:

• Developing a website that will allow tribal members to complete applications and access information for affordable housing programs

Texas

Livingston
Member: Austin Bank
Sponsor: Alabama-Coushatta Indian Housing Authority
Grant: $150,000
The funds will be used for:

• AC units in 18 homes

• Generator switches in 65 homes

• Internet connections in 20 homes

• Rental/utility assistance to 26 households