Arizona tribal authorities receive federal grants to address homelessness among veterans

PHOENIX — Four tribal housing authorities in Arizona were awarded nearly $1 million of federal funding to address homelessness among Native American veterans in the state.

The funding is being provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as part of the Tribal HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, according to a press release.

“Our nation’s veterans made the ultimate sacrifice and are more than deserving of a decent and stable place to call home,” HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said in the release.

“These grants allow tribes to provide housing and supportive services to Native American veterans and their families.”

Housing authorities for Navajo, Hopi and San Carlos will each get a portion of just over $550,000, according to the release, with $417,931 being awarded to the Tohono O’odham – KIKI Association.

The federal program provides housing and supportive services to Native American veterans currently experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness through rental assistance, case management and clinical services.

Just over $4.3 million is being provided to 28 tribes and tribally-designated housing entities across the country as part of the program’s 2021 fiscal year awards, according to the release.

Congress in 2015 authorized funding to expand the HUD-VASH program into Indian Country, according to the release, with nearly 600 Native American veterans having been housed since.

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