Oklahoma Tribes to Receive Over $7 Million From HUD for COVID Relief

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced more than $73.9 million in Indian Community Block Grant-American Rescue Plan grants to 68 Tribal communities. Oklahoma tribal communities are receiving over $7 million from The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for COVID-19 relief.

According to the press release, this donation builds upon President Biden’s commitment to strengthening the federal relationship with Tribal Nations and aims to provide equitable COVID-19 relief to Tribal communities.

The American Rescue Plan Act provides $750 million dollars in HUD resources to Indian Country to support the continued fight against COVID, the news release says.

HUD says their mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.

“HUD understands its responsibility to Indigenous communities. These awards will provide critical funding to Tribes to help them prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19,” said HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman. “These awards reiterate the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to working together to meet urgent housing and community development needs in Tribal communities.”

The Oklahoma Cherokee Nation will receive $3,450,000 and will use this money to construct 12 one-bedroom homes, 9 two-bedroom homes, and 9 three-bedroom homes.

The Oklahoma Citizen Potawatomi Nation will receive $754,000. Their tribe will purchase a property that has two existing buildings, with this provided money. One of the buildings will provide medical care and the other will provide temporary shelter for those impacted by COVID.

The Oklahoma Delaware Tribe of Indians will receive $1,035,000 and will use the money to rehabilitate up to 100 housing units. The project for the Delaware Tribe will include installing new HVAC systems and rehabilitating five housing units that will provide a temporary shelter for families who have been impacted by COVID.

The Oklahoma Thlopthlocco Tribal Town is also receiving $1,035,000, which they will use to build a warehouse complete with a loading dock, commercial kitchen, and office space.

The Oklahoma United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians will receive $800,000 and will build a warehouse facility with the provided money. The warehouse will be used to store supplies and equipment.

This brings the state total to $7,074,000.

HUD says their program and the Biden-Harris Administration remain committed to meeting and prioritizing the needs of Native communities.