Over $10 Million Pledged to Support Homeless Native American Veterans

In an effort to combat homelessness among Native American veterans, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a significant boost in funding of over $10 million. This money is earmarked to help veterans access and maintain quality, reasonably priced homes.

This move is part of a broader initiative to ensure Native Americans and Tribal communities live in healthy and safe homes and communities, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance housing options for Native American veterans without homes.

Acting HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Expanding services for homeless Native American veterans to secure and maintain housing is a top priority. This significant renewal of funding today emphasizes our commitment to sustaining quality, safe and affordable housing for those veterans across Indian Country who proudly served our nation.”

The funding will support the HUD-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Housing (Tribal HUD-VASH) program. With this financial boost, 29 grant beneficiaries will have the means to offer rental help and supportive services to Tribal veterans at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. 

The announcement guarantees housing for nearly 500 Native American Veterans under the Tribal HUD-VASH program and opens up more opportunities for other homeless veterans.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Monocchio expressed honor in supporting the Tribal efforts through the Tribal HUD-VASH program, praising the dedication and expertise in its implementation as a tribute to the legacy of all Native American Veterans who have served.

The HUD-VASH program plays a crucial role in offering homes to veterans facing homelessness. It combines HUD rental assistance with VA's case management and other supportive services. Since its start, the program has assisted over 1,000 Native American Veterans with housing or case management services, playing a pivotal role in reducing the homelessness rate among veterans by more than 50% since 2010.

Native Americans face a higher likelihood of living in overcrowded conditions. Estimates suggest between 42,000 and 85,000 Native Americans are staying with families or friends because they have no home of their own. 

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to reinforcing the relationship between the U.S. and Tribal Nations, advancing Tribal sovereignty, and addressing Indian Country's housing requirements. Significant federal investments have been made into Indian Country, including through the American Rescue Plan and the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, marking historical financial commitments to Tribal Nations and Native communities.

More information is available on the awardees of this latest round of funding from HUD and VA's Tribal HUD-VASH program.

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