Grants Were Funded Through FHLB Dallas’ $1M Native American Housing Opportunities Fund

Representatives from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), Del Norte Credit Union, Wells Fargo and Southwest Capital Bank awarded $550,000 in Native American Housing Opportunities (NAHO) Fund grants to four New Mexico-based tribal housing organizations. FHLB Dallas introduced the NAHO Fund this year to address the housing needs of federally recognized tribes and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) by providing grants up to $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.

“We are committed to helping tribal housing organizations overcome challenges like inadequate infrastructure and the need for capacity building,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “These grants empower the tribes to develop sustainable housing solutions that improve the quality of life for indigenous families.”

The New Mexico recipients are:

Espanola
Member: Del Norte Credit Union
Sponsor: Santa Clara Pueblo Housing Authority
Grant: $150,000

Jemez Pueblo
Member: Wells Fargo
Sponsor: Pueblo of Jemez Housing Authority
Grant: $138,895

Santa Fe
Member: Southwest Capital Bank
Sponsor: San Ildefonso Housing Authority
Grant: $118,305

San Felipe Pueblo
Member: Southwest Capital Bank
Sponsor: San Felipe Pueblo Housing Authority
Grant: $142,800

The grants to the New Mexico-based tribal organizations were provided through FHLB Dallas members Del Norte Credit Union, Wells Fargo and Southwest Capital Bank.

“Our relationships in New Mexico are essential to fulfilling our vision of improving lives by providing economic opportunities, financial tools and resources that create healthy, thriving families,” said Chief Growth Officer Marco Padilla of Del Norte Credit Union. “We were happy to assist The Santa Clara Pueblo Housing Authority (SCPHA) with this grant application and are thankful they are the recipient.”

Wells Fargo worked with the Pueblo of Jemez Housing Authority to secure grant funding to hire a consultant to advise on an important affordable housing project.

“We were delighted to work with FHLB Dallas on this opportunity, to leverage our support of Native-led, Native-serving work in New Mexico. At Wells Fargo, we believe everyone deserves a quality, safe, affordable place to call home, and do everything we can to make that happen,” said Lauren Hornett, vice president of Philanthropy and Community Impact at Wells Fargo. “Greta and her team at The Pueblo of Jemez Housing Authority are doing incredible and important work to advance housing opportunities, and we are honored to support their work, which is reflective of the unique needs and cultural values specific to the Pueblo of Jemez.”

The Pueblo of Jemez Housing Authority’s Executive Director Greta Armijo said the grant enhances their ability to provide affordable housing solutions. “Our collaboration with FHLB Dallas and Wells Fargo will provide tribal communities with access to affordable housing that brings stability and greater opportunities for education and employment, contributing to a brighter and more equitable future.”

Southwest Capital Bank provided two of the four grants in New Mexico.

“The NAHO Fund was a tremendous opportunity to support affordable housing on tribal land, and we are pleased to partner with the San Felipe Pueblo and San Ildefonso Housing Authorities on these important housing projects,” said Marshall Neel, senior vice president of Compliance and CRA Officer at Southwest Capital Bank.

The San Felipe Pueblo Housing Authority, which received the grant through Southwest Capital Bank, said the NAHO Fund grant improved its ability to make a difference in its community.

“It is with programs such as the NAHO Fund that we as tribal entities can continue to provide and increase direct services to affordable housing clients at the Pueblo of San Felipe,” said Executive Director Isaac Perez. “The improvements in technology and Wi-Fi services will allow us to expand and reach tribal members that have not been able to directly come to the office.”