Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program announced

On Thursday the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is announcing the launch of the Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program (TNHDAP). The program is aimed at building on tribal nations’ existing capacity and providing resources and support that each needs to develop affordable housing programs and projects that respond to their unique housing needs.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis or Bank) is supporting this new program with a grant of up to $3 million, which marks the bank’s largest grant to a single organization.
The grant will provide flexible funding to help remove barriers to program participation and will cover critical predevelopment expenses, respond to additional capacity building needs and opportunities, and help bridge project financing gaps.

The TNHDAP will assist tribal nations with building new housing while also supporting needed upgrades to existing homes. This program is a continuation of Michigan’s government-to-government partnership with tribal nations, where the state has already invested in high-speed internet access and additional economic opportunities for these communities.

“At MSHDA, we are always looking to find new and innovative ways to bring attainable and affordable housing to Michiganders across the state,” said Amy Hovey, MSHDA chief executive officer and executive director. “Because of this funding and support, Michigan’s sovereign tribal nations will be better equipped with the resources and knowledge they need to expand their affordable housing capacity within their communities.”

“For many years, we have worked alongside partners in Michigan to bring affordable housing to underserved and vulnerable communities throughout the state,” said Cindy Konich, FHLBank Indianapolis president and CEO. “We feel confident that the tribal toolkit, trainings and support given through this new program will help meet the unique needs of tribal nations throughout Michigan and bring meaningful change to these communities.”

“We believe that the TNHDAP will make a real, lasting impact to tribes across Michigan,” said Jamie Stuck, United Tribes of Michigan president. “We know that everyone deserves a safe and affordable home, and our partnership with MSHDA and FHLBank Indianapolis helps tribal nations get closer to that reality.”

MSHDA has retained the National American Indian Housing Council to develop a toolkit and offer a series of tailored trainings and one-on-one project and organizational technical assistance.

More information on the TNHDAP is available at https://www.michigan.gov/tribal-housing.