PORTLAND, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is awarding a combined nearly $9,917,680 to the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and the Warm Springs Housing Authority to build more affordable housing for Tribal members.
“It’s critical that Tribal families have affordable, safe places to live that will foster community and connect them to their land,” said Merkley. “This nearly $10 million in federal funding will help Tribes work to overcome their affordable housing shortage. I will keep working to deliver the necessary housing resources to ensure everyone in our state can thrive and live safe, healthy lives.”
“Housing is a basic human right, and Tribal communities across Oregon urgently need safe, affordable places for families to live and grow,” Wyden said. “I applaud the Warm Springs Housing Authority and the Cow Creek Band for winning this federal investment that will support constructing new homes and building out essential infrastructure. I will keep fighting to ensure Tribal nations in Oregon and across the nation have the federal resources required to support their citizens and build strong futures.”
The Warm Springs Housing authority is receiving $5 million for the new construction of seven three-bedroom homes for low-income families. The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is receiving $4,917,680 for the new construction of seven single-family homes and the infrastructure needed to support another new construction housing project. The nearly $10 million announced today comes from the Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program, which provides federal funds to eligible Tribes and Tribally Designated Entities to support affordable housing projects in Tribal communities. Priority is given to new construction and housing rehabilitation projects.
“We are grateful for HUD’s significant investment in our Nation that will help us provide new affordable housing for Warm Springs families who need safe, stable homes,” said Edward R. Henderson, Secretary-Treasurer/CEO of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon. “We appreciate Housing Director Danielle Wood’s effort to secure this award for our community.”
“Affordable housing for our Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal citizens is such a crucial component of self-sufficiency,” said Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians Chair Carla Keene. “It helps families and individuals feel a sense of security, stability, traditions and provides a place for lasting, living memories. We are thrilled to receive this generous grant and look forward to the positive contributions it will make in Douglas County.”