California Native American communities receive $91 million for affordable housing and homeless interventions
What you need to know: Native American communities throughout California will receive more than $91 million in state funding to help create more affordable housing and address homelessness through the state’s Tribal Homekey program and the Tribal Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program.
SACRAMENTO – California Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that California Native American tribes throughout the state will receive more than $91 million to address housing and homelessness, including $71 million from the first-ever awards from the state’s Tribal Homekey program and an additional $20 million through the state’s Tribal Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program, both administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
“No community is untouched by housing challenges, and across the nation, Native Americans experience higher rates of homelessness and housing insecurity. These programs — developed in partnership with tribes across the state — are designed to help address the unique challenges and needs of Native communities in terms of housing and homelessness support.”
Tribal Homekey program
The Tribal Homekey program was created in partnership with California tribes to help overcome historical barriers to securing funding for affordable housing development. The 10 awards totaling just under $71 million will fund 172 permanent, affordable rental housing units in rural California communities in the counties of Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Fresno, Humboldt, Lake, Los Angeles, Mendocino, and Sonoma.
The program is modeled on California’s successful Homekey program, which awarded its third round of funding this year to rapidly build housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“Native American communities experience some of the deepest disparities of homelessness rates and unique housing challenges which require a thoughtful, coordinated approach,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Tomiquia Moss. “I want to thank the Department of Housing and Community Development for partnering with tribes to catalyze development and build safe, affordable housing.”
