SWTHA Raffle Tickets Now Available
(Need not be present to win)

SWTHA will hold a dinner and raffle during the SWTHA Triannual Meeting on January 28, 2024 at Isleta Resort and Casino in Albuquerque, NM. Please contact swtha.region8@gmail.com asap if you would like to attend.

Tickets are $5 per ticket, or 5 for $20.00. Please contact Lorrie Chavez at lchavez@sdtha.org or 505-470-4089 to purchase tickets. Need not be present to win. SWTHA will ship item to you at no charge.

Thank you to our generous donors!
AMERIND
Diehl & Co. LLC Consulting
Housing New Mexico
Laguna Housing Development & Management Enterprise
Pueblo of Zia Housing Services
Travois
Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo
Zuni Housing Authority

SWTHA Membership for Tribal Housing Departments and Associate Members  Renewal Due Now

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 letters have been mailed out, email swtha.region8@gmail.com if you did not receive it. Please be sure to renew prior to the Business Meeting January 28, 2025.

It is also renewal time for SWTHA Associate Members, which consists of 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.

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

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Next Meeting – January 14, 2024

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

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.

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

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.

Review the updates below:

1. Tribal Consortia Option: Tribes may apply as part of a consortia, in which a third party (e.g., inter-tribal organization, non-profit, advocacy organization) drafts the application, manages the reporting process, and distributes equipment or leads other programming. A group of Tribes must pool their funds and pick a third party to lead the consortia. For more information, please see our summary document here.
2. Upcoming Informational Webinar: We will hold a second introductory webinar for Tribes and potential consortia leaders on January 15 at 3:30pm ET. We’d love it if you could attend and share it with your networks! Please see the registration link here.
3. Community Energy Connectors: The EECBG Program just launched a new program to fund organizations that provide technical assistance around energy efficiency and economic development in regions across the country. The aim is to connect EECBG Program grantees to one another, key stakeholders, community-based organizations, funders, industry, and other organizations in the region. If you know of any groups in your state, please do encourage them to apply! The deadline to apply is January 28, 2025.
4. Community Energy Fellows: Tribes and consortia leads may apply to host a Community Energy Fellow – an early-to-mid career clean energy professional – that can support the EECBG Program and other energy efforts for up to 18 months. Applications to host a fellow are due on January 28.  Note: Tribal consortia will be prioritized to host a community energy fellow upon application.

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

HUD Exam Prep & Success 7-Part Series: January 10-27, 2025, 9 AM PST – 12 PM PST. Are you or someone you work with getting ready to take the HUD Certification Exam? If so, then this training is for you! In January, RCAC is offering the HUD Exam Prep & Success Series (Formerly “Core Competencies for HUD Certification”). This series is designed to help you prepare for and successfully complete the HUD Housing Counseling Exam. Through this training, you will gain valuable knowledge and skills that you can use as a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor. Register: https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=4543

HUD Exam Study Group 2-Part Series: January 29 & 31, 2025, 9 AM PST – 12 PM PST. Description: This course offers a review of all seven HUD exam topics in a comprehensive format. Instructor will provide counselors with the ability to locate all HUD resources for the certification exam and the necessary study tools. Register: https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=4544

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 Legislative Conference
February 4 – 6, 2025
Washington, DC

The National American Indian Housing Council’s Legislative Conference, held annually in Washington, DC, offers tribal leaders, housing professionals, advocates, and attorneys a platform to hear directly from Members of Congress and federal agency representatives through plenary session updates.

Your presence in the nation’s capital and participation in congressional and federal meetings are invaluable and vital in moving our legislative priorities forward. NAIHC encourages you to meet with your Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill. You will be provided with a one-pager of national talking points which you should leave with your member of Congress; and you should bring your own talking points for local/tribal/statewide issues.

For more information, click here.

 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.

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.
• Environmental Records Review (ERR)Virtual Training: January 14-16, 8:30am – 4:30pm, AKST
• Indian Housing Plan/Annual Performance Report (IHP/APR) Virtual Training: January 28-29, 9:00am – 4:00pm, AKST
• Grant Writing Virtual Training: February 11-12, 9:00am- 4:00pm, AKST
• Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200 Virtual Training: February 25-27, 9:00am – 4:00pm, AKST
• Site Control Virtual Training: March 11-13, 9:00am – 4:00pm, AKDT

 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