Representatives from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), Del Norte Credit Union, Wells Fargo, and Southwest Capital Bank have awarded $550,000 in grants from the Native American Housing Opportunities (NAHO) Fund to four tribal housing organizations in New Mexico. Launched this year, the NAHO Fund aims to meet the housing needs of federally recognized tribes and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) by providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 per application.
Greg Hettrick, Senior Vice President and Director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, stated, “We are committed to helping tribal housing organizations overcome challenges like inadequate infrastructure and the need for capacity building. These grants empower the tribes to develop sustainable housing solutions that improve the quality of life for indigenous families.”
Eligible uses for the NAHO Fund grants include down payment and rental assistance, repairs, new construction, as well as funding for administrative and operational expenses, such as program development and consulting fees for TDHEs.
The New Mexico grant recipients are:
- Espanola
Member: Del Norte Credit Union
Sponsor: Santa Clara Pueblo Housing Authority
Grant: $150,000 - Jemez Pueblo
Member: Wells Fargo
Sponsor: Pueblo of Jemez Housing Authority
Grant: $138,895 - Santa Fe
Member: Southwest Capital Bank
Sponsor: San Ildefonso Housing Authority
Grant: $118,305 - San Felipe Pueblo
Member: Southwest Capital Bank
Sponsor: San Felipe Pueblo Housing Authority
Grant: $142,800
The grants were facilitated through FHLB Dallas members Del Norte Credit Union, Wells Fargo, and Southwest Capital Bank. Marco Padilla, Chief Growth Officer at Del Norte Credit Union, emphasized the importance of these relationships in improving lives through economic opportunities and resources. “We were happy to assist the Santa Clara Pueblo Housing Authority with this grant application,” he said.
Wells Fargo collaborated with the Pueblo of Jemez Housing Authority to secure funding for consulting services for an affordable housing project. Lauren Hornett, Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Impact at Wells Fargo, expressed the company’s commitment to ensuring everyone has a safe, affordable place to live. “We are honored to support their work, which reflects the unique needs and cultural values of the Pueblo of Jemez,” she noted.
Greta Armijo, Executive Director of the Pueblo of Jemez Housing Authority, highlighted how the grant will enhance their ability to provide affordable housing. “Our collaboration with FHLB Dallas and Wells Fargo will bring stability and greater opportunities for education and employment to our tribal communities,” she said.
Southwest Capital Bank contributed two of the four grants in New Mexico. Marshall Neel, Senior Vice President and CRA Officer at Southwest Capital Bank, remarked on the importance of the NAHO Fund in supporting affordable housing projects on tribal land.
The San Felipe Pueblo Housing Authority also noted the positive impact of the grant. Executive Director Isaac Perez emphasized that programs like the NAHO Fund enable tribal entities to enhance services for affordable housing clients, including improvements in technology and Wi-Fi services to better reach tribal members.
For more information about the NAHO Fund, visit fhlb.com/naho fund.
