Representatives from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Austin Bank presented a $150,000 grant from the Native American Housing Opportunities (NAHO) Fund to the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Housing Authority (ACIHA) during a ceremonial check celebration. This funding is part of a larger $1 million allocation that FHLB Dallas has provided to Native American tribes and tribal housing authorities in 2024.
The NAHO Fund, launched this year by FHLB Dallas, aims to improve access to affordable housing for federally recognized tribes and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs). Grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 can be utilized for various purposes, including down payment assistance for homebuyers, rental assistance, home repairs, new construction, and administrative costs.
Debbie Braune, Senior Vice President and CRA Officer at Austin Bank, expressed enthusiasm for the fund, stating, “This initiative highlights the importance of rural housing affordability, and we are proud to support efforts that enhance accessibility in Livingston.”
ACIHA plans to use the grant to install 75 generator switches in homes, provide 15 internet connections for a remote neighborhood, and replace eight central air-conditioning systems, according to ACIHA Director Jerry McKinney.
McKinney shared that he learned about the FHLB Dallas grant program during a tribal housing conference in Florida. After being contacted by a representative, ACIHA’s Tribal Grants Director, Rachel Collins, took the lead on the application process with assistance from the housing team.
“We included generator plugs in our housing plan two years ago due to occasional power outages from hurricanes, but we lacked the funding to implement them,” McKinney noted. “This grant will finally allow us to proceed. Additionally, the Wi-Fi connections will benefit children who currently have to visit the community center for internet access to complete their homework. We are truly grateful for this grant and its impact on ACIHA.”
Greg Hettrick, Senior Vice President and Director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, emphasized the significance of the $1 million fund in addressing urgent affordable housing needs. “We’ve observed innovative applications of the funding for sustainable housing, and the Housing Authority’s initiative for generator switches exemplifies preparedness for future power outages from Gulf storms,” he said. “We are honored to support their efforts.”
To learn more about the NAHO Fund, visit fhlb.com/nahofund.
