$5 Million Funding to Propel Homeownership in Oregon Tribes
In a groundbreaking move, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has approved an allocation of $5 million towards homeownership development grants, a lifeline specifically designed to support federally recognized Tribes in Oregon. This marks a significant moment in OHCS’s history as it is the first instance of the organization earmarking funds to fuel the growth of Tribal homeownership.
The OHCS press release quotes Andrea Bell, OHCS Director, reflecting on the decision. “We are moving beyond rhetoric, taking deliberate steps towards honoring self-determination by channeling resources and additional capacity to our Tribal allies throughout the state,” she stated.
According to the press release, OHCS intends to allocate the funding towards homeownership development projects and non-construction ventures that will pave the way for an increase in homeownership opportunities for Tribal members.
Here’s how the funding will be distributed:
A sum of $474,715 will be divided among three applicants. This will bolster the finances of 20 Tribal households, empowering them either to purchase homes or undertake essential repairs to maintain their existing dwellings.
The lion’s share of the funding will be directed towards two homeownership development projects. These initiatives will trigger the construction of 27 new homes available for purchase on land belonging to the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
One noteworthy initiative is the Nixyaawii Transformative Homeownership Project. This venture, led by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, has been awarded $3 million from the funding pool. The project will use these funds to construct 21 new affordable two or three-bedroom homes. These homes will be available for parcel leaseholders within the fully developed 42-tract Nixyáawii Subdivision.
Executive Director of Nixyáawii Community Financial Services, Dave Tovey, illuminated the impact of the project. “Tribal members now have the opportunity not just to own a home, but to be homeowners on the reservation – a dream that for many has been out of reach until now,” he declared.
