SWTHA Membership for Tribal Housing Departments and Associate Members – 2025 Renewal Soon!

All Region VIII Tribal Housing Departments, (AZ, NM, and West Texas) are invited to join or continue to support SWTHA through a membership as we work to strengthen our voice for Native families. The 2025 renewal will be sent out in November.

SWTHA also offers Associate Membership for Organizations seeking to support tribal housing, and/or provide products or services to the member tribal housing programs. Associate Members consist of public interest groups, businesses, suppliers, commercial vendors, service providers, and Federal and state recognized tribes and government housing agencies not eligible for voting membership. For more information, check out the Associate Member Page.

SWTHA’s mission is “To be the voice for Tribal housing by providing relevant, timely information, resources, and a valuable network for the SWTHA membership”.

Thank you for your continued support and participation! If you have any questions, or are interested in becoming a member, please email swtha.region8@gmail.com. Visit swtha.org for more information.

SWTHA Monthly Zoom Meetings
2nd Tuesday of Each Month
1:00pm – 2:00pm MT

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Next Meeting – November 12, 2024

Guest Speaker: Clay Abernathy, Founder of the Idea’l Institute. Changing the way Education and Housing is being done within our communities, the Idea’l Trade Institute is leading the construction education industry and is the first company to offer a fully integrated ground-up system that trains students in every aspect of home construction. They offer a financial aid program, providing students with the skills they need in as little as six months, with zero debt. Click here for the Presentation.

Previous Speakers

October 8, 2024

• Rosie Ricketts, Technical Project Officer U.S. Department of Energy
• Topic: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Formula Grant Program and available funding for tribes.
• PPT: EECBG Tribal Office Hours

August 2024:

• Karen Koch OT, ECHM, CAPS, Licensed builder, Lead Occupational Therapist
• Subject: Home Modification Occupational Therapy Alliance (HMOTA) – Introducing the Tribal Home Mod Metrics program, a program to help care for Elders by helping them to age-in-place in their homes.
• PPT: Home Mod Metrics

SWTHA will continue to provide the most current information through guest speakers at the monthly meetings, all members are welcome to join. If you would like to speak at one of the monthly meetings, or you have any questions, please email swtha.region8@gmail.com.

Previous guest speaker information and hand outs can be viewed here.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82326477587?pwd=MVU2SUxsUThSUUpBeVZjMGVtdzNIZz09

• Meeting ID: 823 2647 7587
• Passcode: 104486

Section 184 Policy Handbook
ONAP Extends Comment Period to November 12, 2024

OLG INFO Announcement 2024-21 – ONAP Extends Comment Period for Draft Sections of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Policy Handbook.

​On September 24, 2024, the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) posted draft sections of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Policy Handbook (Handbook) to the Office of Loan Guarantee Drafting Table web page. ONAP has received requests to extend the deadline given the size and importance of the guidance document. ONAP agrees with the requests. The deadline to submit feedback is now extended to Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 5 pm, EDT.

To comment on the below documents, please use the OLG Comments and Feedback Template and submit via email to: Section184Comments@hud.gov.

Section 184 Policy Handbook

• Chapter II Table of Contents (Comment Period Closes 11/12/2024)
• Chapter II Section A (Comment Period Closes 11/12/2024)
• Chapter II Section B (Comment Period Closes 11/12/2024)
• Chapter II Section C (Comment Period Closes 11/12/2024)
• Chapter II Section D (Comment Period Closes 11/12/2024)
• Chapter II Section E (Comment Period Closes 11/12/2024)
• Chapter II Section F (Comment Period Closes 11/12/2024)

Continuum of Care (CoC)
Funding Opportunity
Deadline November 21

The Continuum of Care (CoC) Builds (CoCBuilds) NOFO targets efforts within CoC geographic areas to address and reduce persons experiencing homelessness by adding new units of permanent supportive housing (PSH) through new construction, acquisition, or rehabilitation through one-time CoCBuilds awards under the CoC Program.

This NOFO provides incentives for Indian Tribes and TDHEs to apply for funds to develop units of new PSH. HUD expects to make approximately 25 awards from the funds available under this NOFO. Up to 3 awards are set aside for the highest scoring project applications where the PSH units are located on Tribal reservations or trust lands.

• Minimum Award: $1,000,000
• Maximum Award: $10,000,000

Read more here. Applications due November 21, 2024.

Inflation Reduction Act
Community Change Grants Program
Deadline November 21

EPA’s new Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program (Community Change Grants) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for approximately $2 billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds in environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges.

These place-based investments will be focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community and stakeholder input. They are designed to deliver on the transformative potential of the IRA for communities most adversely and disproportionately impacted by climate change, legacy pollution, and historical disinvestments.

Read more about the program here.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program is a $550 million grant program funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It is designed to assist states, local governments, and Tribes in implementing strategies to reduce energy use, to reduce fossil fuel emissions, and to improve energy efficiency.

Rosie Ricketts, Technical Project Officer for the Office of State and Community Energy Programs| Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provided an introduction at the SWTHA October meeting. Read the presentation here. Rosie can be contacted at rosie.ricketts@hq.doe.gov to answer your questions.

Read the EECBG Flyer here, visit the website here. The deadline for Tribes to apply is May 31, 2025.

DOE Offers Tribes $225 Million in Rebates for
Home Electrification and Appliances

The U.S. Department of Energy has released application guidelines for tribal governments to apply for $225 million in funding under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program.

HEAR funds will provide rebates to low- and moderate-income households installing efficient electric technologies. Rebates for home electrification upgrades range from $840 to $14,000 per household. Rebate amounts vary depending on a household’s income, the total project cost, and the technologies installed. Multifamily and single-family buildings, including manufactured housing, may be eligible for rebates. Eligible households may be owner-occupied or rented. Once DOE has approved a tribe’s HEAR application, the tribe may launch its program and begin issuing rebates. Tribal officials can review the published guidance in DOE’s new Administrative and Legal Requirements Document.

Tribal government stakeholders with questions about the requirements and related documentation should contact DOE at irahomerebates@hq.doe.gov.

Read more about the program here.

Laguna Homeowner’s Assistance Fund Program
Open to All Tribes of New Mexico

Laguna Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program provides financial assistance to income-eligible households experiencing financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 health crisis. If your income was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and you are having difficulties paying on or behind on your mortgage or home loan, or in forbearance, you may qualify for assistance. Any enrolled member of a Tribe in the state of New Mexico who is paying a mortgage, a home loan, or taxes on your primary residence and meets US Department of Treasury qualifications may apply. Not only does his funding help with mortgages or home loans, but it can also help with home costs that were impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What can it help pay for?

• Past due payments, including payments in forbearance.
• Property taxes
• Homeowner fees and dues
• Mortgage Reinstatement
• Utility costs
• Approved minor home repairs

Contact Lisa Bautista, HAF Specialist, with questions: (505) 552-6430 EXT. 7010, lisab@lagunahousing.org. Click here for the announcement.

RCAC’s Upcoming Trainings

Oweesta Corporation Financial Coaching with Families Next Level 2.0 
Phoenix AZ, November 13-15, 2024, 8:30am – 4:30pm

HUD Compliance: November 14, 2024, 9 AM PST – 12 PM PST
Description: This course will cover all six areas of core competency, financial management, homeownership, and tenancy. The course provides a base knowledge of the CFR24 Part 214 and the 7610.1 Rev. 6 Handbook requirements for housing counselors. The course will review the components of the regulations and handbook that counselors must follow including certification, agency work plan, required counseling steps and files (both hard copy and online), conflict of interest, 9902, and performance review. A review of best practices will provide tools to deliver services more effectively and remain in compliance.

Marketing and Promoting Your Housing Counseling Agency: November 20, 2024, 9 AM PST – 12 PM PST
Description: This course will provide Housing Counseling agencies with tools and techniques to market their services. Counselors will learn best practices and gain valuable insights on ways to address common challenges to increase awareness of their housing counseling agency. Resources such as the Office of Housing Counseling’s (OHC) multi-language “Let’s Make Home the Goal” postcards and flyers, toolkits, and other materials will be reviewed.

Eviction and Homeless Counseling 2-Part Series: November 25 & 26, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
This course will cover the core competencies of housing affordability, fair housing, tenancy, and avoiding eviction. Additionally, this course will introduce ways to reduce homelessness, promote economic opportunities for the homeless, and teach effective ways to deliver homeless services.

15 Steps to Homeownership 2-Part Class: December 3 & 5, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
This course will cover the following core competencies: homeownership, property maintenance, and housing affordability. The series of classes will examine industry protocols and consumer best practices for the 15 most critical steps to homeownership for consumers when purchasing a home.

Fannie Mae’s Disaster Playbook: December 4, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM PST
In partnership with Fannie Mae, RCAC will be offering a free training on Fannie Mae’s single family disaster requirements. In this training, course counselors will learn about the insurance loss proceeds process and Fannie Mae’s distribution requirements.

Click here for more information. For questions about Housing Counseling trainings and opportunities, please contact: RCAC Housing Counseling | hctrainings@rcac.org

Native Learning Center (NLC) Free Webinars

NAIHC Legal Symposium
December 9-12, 2024
MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV

NAIHC’s Legal Symposium is the premier learning event for tribal housing and legal professionals working across the country to address the availability and access to affordable housing for Native American families.

Each year, the Legal Symposium brings together over 500 tribal housing professionals, tribal leaders, law firms serving Indian country, tribal administrative and compliance staff, and federal officials from HUD, USDA, BIA, EPA, or other agency programs. Past Legal Symposium attendees also included paralegals, occupancy specialists handling leases/evictions, risk management professionals, law school academics, legal scholars, in-house attorneys at housing authorities and tribal legal department staff (among others).

Together, Symposium participants share ideas, experiences, and best practices as well as address emerging issues.

Click here for more information.

 RCAC Career Opportunities
Senior Project Developer

RCAC is seeking a Senior Project Developer to assist with affordable housing projects in the rural West. In this role, you’ll oversee the entire development process, from financial feasibility to construction, ensuring successful outcomes for multifamily projects. If you have a passion for affordable housing and experience in development, view the full job description for this position for an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Read the job description here.

Travois Seeking Project Manager – Kansas City

Project Managers are responsible for managing a portfolio of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) clients, ensuring the successful financing and development of affordable housing projects in Tribal communities. Key responsibilities include marketing to potential and repeat customers, developing relationships with state allocating agencies, monitoring the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) process, and preparing and submitting funding applications. Funding sources include but are not limited to LIHTC, the Affordable Housing Program, Indian Community Development Block Grant, and Capital Magnet Funding programs. Another key component of the role is to collaborate with investor partners to facilitate the purchase of the tribal developer’s LIHTC allocation. Project Managers lead the closing process between tribal developers, equity investors, attorneys, architects, and other stakeholders so that the project can achieve financial closing and construct quality, affordable housing in Tribal communities. Project Managers work closely with internal teams and external partners on rewarding, fast-paced, and challenging projects with strict deadlines.

Read the Job Description here. Visit Travois.com for more information.

Tamaya Housing Inc.
Seeking Administrative Assistant

Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, contributes to THI’s effectiveness by performing a variety of secretarial and administrative duties for the affordable housing program. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information. Shall carry out and be subject to THI policies and procedures as required by the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA), and as adopted by the THI Board of Directors. Must conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner.

Read the full Job Vacancy Announcement here.

Laguna Housing Development & Management Enterprise
Resident Services Specialist Job

Under the supervision of the Resident Services Director, this position provides guidance and instruction regarding home rental, home ownership and home renovation services. They will directly work with perspective and current tenants. Also conduct and coordinate tasks including public awareness, training sessions regarding financial budgeting and constant counseling. They will also perform monthly collections, track payments, recertifications of income, family composition, annual home inspections and other tasks to assist homebuyers and tenants who are under housing program agreements. Will make consistent visits to homebuyers homes and tenants rental units.

Read the full announcement here.

Navajo Housing Authority
Job Opportunities

The Navajo Housing Authority (NHA) has several employment opportunities available.  Please visit the NHA website for more information and instructions on how to apply.

Click here for the complete list of opportunities.

For more information Email: Nhahr@hoogan.org, Website: www.navajohousingauthority.org/jobs.html, Phone: 928-729-6623

 HUD/ONAP and NAIHC
Training and News

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News

• BABA Implementation Notice for Tribal Recipients, PIH Notice 2024-35.
• Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Fair Market Rents (FMRs)
• Section 184 Skilled Workers Demonstration Program
• Funding Navigator, an interactive tool that allows the user to browse and sort funding opportunities for billions of dollars in funding available under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
• IHBG Compeitive NOFO Training Video: Helps applicants prepare an application that meets all of the scoring criteria.
• SWONAP QUARTERLY GRANTEE CALLS– The Southwest Office of Native American Programs (SWONAP) is excited to introduce Quarterly Grantee Calls.
• Housing Problem-Solving (HPS) Resource Page
• White House Technical Assistance Guide –  provides comprehensive information about more than 100 federal technical assistance programs that can support efforts to win federal funding and deploy it in communities across the nation.
• HUD Imminent Threat Grants – Set aside of the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) allocation for non-competitive, first come-first serve grants to eliminate or lessen problems which pose an imminent threat to public health or safety of Tribal residents.
• Program Guidance No. 2024-01:  Income Limits for the Indian Housing Block Grant program under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996
• Build America, Buy America (BABA) waiver extension for Tribal recipients
• Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program – Final Rule Published
• NAHASDA Fact Sheet
• Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Group Education Materials
• HCA Guide for Delivering Group Education on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness
• Digital Equity RFC Listening Sessions Federal Register Notice
• New High-Speed Internet Guide Highlights Unprecedented Funding to Support Underserved Communities
• FY24 Indian Housing Block Grant Estimates
• Tribal/Interagency Environmental Streamlining Toolkit (TIES)
• New High-Speed Internet Guide Highlights Unprecedented Funding to Support Underserved Communities
• CoC Program Resources for Tribal Communities:  Offers resources to assess whether the CoC Program supports community priorities and activities.

Training

• NAIHC Training and Technical Assistance Opportunities – NAIHC offers a variety of training options specific to the needs of the Indian housing industry. NAIHC provides both on- and off-site technical assistance free of charge at the request of any tribe or tribal housing entity who receives Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funding under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-determination Act (NAHASDA). For more information click here.
• IHP/APR Virtual Training: November 12-14, 2024, 11:00am -4:00pm, ET
• Intermediate Financial Management, Oklahoma City, OK: November 13-15
• Contract Administration & Procurement Virtual Training: November 13-15, 9:00am- 4:00pm, AKST
• Low Income Housing Tax Credit Virtual Training: November 19-20
• Conveyance Process Training: November 20-21, 2024, 11:00am -4:00pm, ET
• Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS) Virtual Training: December 2-3, 9:00am – 4:30pm, AKST
• IHBG Conveyance Virtual Training: December 5, 9:00am – 4:00pm, AKST
• Writing a Successful Request for Proposals (RFP) Virtual Training: December 10-11, 9:00am – 3:00pm, AKST
• Housing Policy Virtual Training: December 17-19, 8:30am – 3:30pm, AKST

 Click here for all Training Opportunities

Click here for Funding Opportunities. For a comprehensive list of Funding Opportunities, visit www.Grants.gov

Fannie Mae’s Disaster Response Network (DRN)

Fannie Mae is committed to assisting homeowners and communities affected by disasters. We can help you navigate the challenging disaster recovery process with resources like our Disaster Response Network. Anyone can call the DRN, renters or homeowners, and they do not need to have a direct tie to a Fannie Mae property or loan. Fannie Mae’s Disaster Response Network™ offers free support for eligible homeowners from HUD-approved housing advisors, including:

• Personalized recovery assessment and action plan
• Assistance filing claims (i.e., FEMA, insurance, and Small Business Administration)
• Help working with your mortgage servicer on payment relief options
• Access to Clearpoint’s* Project Porchlight Online and its tools and resources
• Ongoing check-ins to help ensure a successful recovery

CALL 877-833-1746 to access the Disaster Response Network or other available resources. People impacted by a disaster may also
receive help from:

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): www.hud.gov
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): www.disasterassistance.gov
• American Red Cross: 1-800-733-2767

English Flyer

Spanish Flyer

The New Mexico Tribal Housing Coalition

The New Mexico Tribal Housing Coalition (the “Coalition”) has grown to include more than 400 participants throughout New Mexico and the U.S. who, in addition to addressing housing issues, have the expertise to take on other tribal housing-related topics including economic development, sustainability, infrastructure and health. The Coalition has become a national leader for all tribal housing-related development. The Coalition meets several times each year, typically in different tribal communities to discuss issues and successes and provide resources and technical assistance.

Their work is primarily as a convener of individuals dedicated to advancing homeownership on tribal trust lands. They organize quarterly meetings, a site visit, webinars, training, and informal project resource reviews. The next upcoming event is in March for Mortgage Lending on Tribal Trust Lands.

For more information, click here.

Call, Text or Message 988
For Mental Wellness
FREE & Confidential

A behavioral health crisis needs a behavioral health response. 988 was established to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing crisis behavioral health care needs. 988 will provide easier access to related behavioral health crisis resources, which are distinct from 911 (where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire, and police as needed).

Reasons to call 988:

• Need information or referrals for local community services?
• Feeling sad, confused, or angry?
• Worried about your safety or someone you know?
• Service member or veteran & their families in need.
• Worried about alcohol or drug use or abuse.
• Have something on your mind that you want to talk over.

988 NM Crisis Support            988nmcrisissupport           https://988nm.org

Arizona Economic Recovery Center
FREE Grant Assistance to AZ Tribes

The Arizona Economic Recovery Center is available to assist in winning more federal grants and to benefit local tribal economies. To date, we have helped to win $32.9 million in new grants.

AMERIND News and Information

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Careers at AMERIND
AMERIND is searching for exceptional individuals interested in the success of our mission and the well-being of their client base. To find a list of current open positions, please click here.

Free online COVID-19 Safety Training!
Please call an AMERIND Safety Team member at 505-404-5000 to schedule.

AMERIND Safety Brochure

Safety Resources

Firewise Poster
How to Prepare Your Home for Wildfire

Covid-19 Checklist
Checklist for Reopening the workplace