Merkley, Wyden Tout Nearly $3 Million for Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde’s Affordable Housing Efforts

Merkley, Wyden Tout Nearly $3 Million for Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde's Affordable Housing Efforts

Washington, D.C. - Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is awarding $2,916,635 to the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde to support the construction of 8 housing units, increasing the number of housing units available to Tribal families.

"Ensuring access to safe, affordable housing is critical to Tribal families, fostering community and connecting them to their land," Merkley said. "This nearly $3 million in federal funding will support the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde as it works to overcome its 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 human right, and it's essential that federal investment in affordable housing for Tribal communities across Oregon fully supports that statement," Wyden said. "I'm glad the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde have secured these funds to build more homes for families, and I'll keep battling for similar housing resources for Tribes and communities statewide."

This approximately $3 million HUD grant to the Grand Ronde Tribe 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.

"This funding will help the Tribe provide critical housing for our members at a time when many of our families need it most. We are grateful for this funding and look forward to working with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on this project," said Cheryle A. Kennedy, Tribal Council Chairwoman of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

###