Jicarilla Apache and Mescalero Apache Nations to receive Housing Grants

Washington D.C. – May 7, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Today Reps. Ben Ray Luján and Harry Teague announced two Indian Housing Block Grants, administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Apache Nations in New Mexico. The Jicarilla Apache Housing Authority and the Mescalero Apache Housing Authority were awarded $1.3 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“I am encouraged that Jicarilla Apache Nation will be receiving funds for their housing needs,” said Congressman Ben Ray Luján. “Housing is essential to the physical and spiritual health of our communities, and these funds will help provide additional housing resources to the people of the Jicarilla Apache Nation.”

Both recipients have been approved under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) of 1996 for an Indian Housing Block Grant. These funds can be used for a variety of eligible affordable housing activities. These activities may include operating assistance; development of affordable housing that may include new construction, acquisition, modernization, or rehabilitation of rental or owner-occupied housing; housing services such as housing management for low-income housing and crime prevention safety or activities that provide creative approaches to solving affordable housing problems.

“In tough economic times like these, programs like this one that provide affordable and safe housing to the Mescalero Apache Nation are essential. I am pleased to see these grants being awarded to a deserving community that is often overlooked,” said Congressman Harry Teague.