The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Sept. 17 announced $220 million in competitive grants for tribal housing and community projects across the country, including additional support for Native American tribes in Oklahoma.
The funding is divided between two programs: $150 million for the Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive program and $70 million for the Indian Community Development Block Grant program. These grants are designed to help tribes build new homes, repair aging housing and improve infrastructure such as water, sewer and roads.
“In my travels to Indian Country, I have seen great innovation — but also great need — in Tribal communities. I am encouraged by the impact Tribes are making to address housing needs,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner.
Earlier this year, HUD made available more than $1.1 billion in regular housing funds to more than 600 tribes nationwide. Tribes in Oklahoma received the following:
• Comanche Nation: $3.9 million.
• Kiowa Tribe: $2.1 million.
• Caddo Nation: $1.05 million.
• Wichita and Affiliated Tribes: $595,000.
• Fort Sill Apache Tribe: $130,000.
These funds are used annually to build, repair and support housing for tribal members. In January, HUD also awarded $150 million in competitive grants to 32 tribes nationwide.
According to HUD, Kiowa Tribe Housing Authority and Comanche Nation Housing Authority, tribes in southwest Oklahoma — including the Comanche and Kiowa — face significant housing challenges. Many homes are overcrowded, aging or lack proper water and sewer infrastructure, putting children, elders and other family members at risk, especially during emergencies and severe weather.
“These grants will help Tribes build and improve housing, strengthen infrastructure and create opportunities for families to thrive,” former HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman said earlier this year. “We are committed to working alongside Tribal communities to address overcrowding, substandard housing, and other urgent needs.”
The new competitive grants allow tribes to request additional funding for urgent projects, including fixing unsafe living conditions and assisting those without homes. To qualify, tribes must submit detailed plans demonstrating specific needs and proposed solutions.
Updates to Section 184 of the Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program’s HUD loan rules ease the process for Natives in Oklahoma to purchase and repair homes and includes additional protections for borrowers affected by tornadoes this year.
According to HUD and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs, federal housing grants like these can help hundreds of Native families in southwest Oklahoma. New construction provides safe homes for families in need while repairs help protect the health and well-being of elders, children and adults. Additionally, improvements to roads, water and sewer systems are essential for daily life and community safety.
Competitive grants specifically target urgent needs, such as homelessness, unsafe housing and poor living conditions. This funding gives tribes the opportunity to develop projects that directly address these challenges.
HUD’s FY 2025 budget and program guidance states that it is making Native housing a priority through both steady annual funding and additional competitive grants. By updating loan rules, offering disaster protections and providing targeted support, the agency seeks to help tribes build stronger, safer communities.
The World Population Review and U.S. Census Bureau report that Oklahoma is home to more than 523,000 American Indian residents, with thousands living in southwest Oklahoma as members of the Comanche, Kiowa, Caddo, Wichita and Fort Sill Apache tribes. According to the National Indian Council on Aging, many Natives live in rural areas where housing shortages and aging infrastructure make daily life more difficult.
According to HUD, these grants not only provide housing dollars, but they also strengthen Oklahoma’s communities, improve local infrastructure, protect vulnerable residents and contribute to broader economic and social stability for the region.