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Tribal grantees use Tribal HAP to leverage Homekey, build culturally tailored projects and pilot prevention services
Summary
Tribal housing leaders told the subcommittee that a Tribal HAP set‑aside has helped tribes leverage Homekey and IHBG funds for housing projects and to pilot job and transportation programs that prevent homelessness on tribal lands.
Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority and other tribal representatives told a Senate subcommittee that Tribal HAP set‑asides — though small relative to need — are being used to leverage federal Homekey and Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funds and to pilot culturally specific shelter diversion, transitional housing and prevention programs.
Mariah McGill, deputy director of Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority, described projects using Tribal HAP to support Homekey transitional units, an affordable 22‑unit Maidu Mountain Line Housing Development, culturally centered wellness and case management centers, and a driving school/career program that increases employment access for tribal residents who otherwise lack transit options. She said Tribal HAP awards have totaled roughly $60 million across three rounds and that tribes received 37 awards in the most recent round; tribal leaders asked the state for larger, sustained set‑asides and meaningful consultation about program design.
Why it matters: Tribal lands often lack close access to services and public transit. Tribal HAP dollars, McGill said, both reduce administrative barriers by enabling tribal TDHEs (tribally designated housing entities) to braid federal, state and local funds and allow culturally tailored program design for prevention and shelter diversion.
Outcome examples: McGill said a Berry Creek Rancheria development will combine Homekey funds and IHBG competitive funds and will house tribal members on completion; several other sites are in predevelopment. She also described a tribal‑led pilot to conduct a tribal PIT count to better capture homelessness on tribal lands and argued that state reporting, outreach and technical assistance should support tribes’ specific practices.
Ending note: Tribal grantees urged the Senate to expand tribal set‑asides, fund multi‑year investments and continue targeted technical assistance so small rural tribal programs can build staff capacity and sustain culturally appropriate housing and prevention programs.
