Dear Tribal Leader Letter- CDC Issues an Order Extending the Eviction Moratorium to July 31, 2021
Dear Tribal Leader Letter- CARES Act Reporting
In-Person GLIHA Meeting
GLIHA conducted an in-person meeting May 12-13, 2021 at the Mille Lacs Casino Hotel in Hinckley, Minnesota. Thank you for your participation and continual support of Indian Housing. Below are links to the PowerPoint presentations from this meeting.
UPDATED -Zakab Biinjina Housing Powerpoint 4-7-21
Elevate Energy GLIHA Meeting 5-13-21
Dear Tribal Leader Letter– FY 2022 IHBG Estimate Cover Letter
I am writing to provide important information on your Tribe’s Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) formula allocation estimate for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is regulatorily required to provide this information annually to all IHBG eligible Indian Tribes and their Tribally designated housing entities (TDHE). In the past, HUD would mail this information. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HUD is posting the following information on-line at: https://ihbgformula.com/fy2022/
Continue reading for more information
FY 2022 Indian Housing Block Grant Formula Allocation Estimates
The purpose of this Dear Tribal Leader letter is to inform Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHE) of their Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) formula allocation estimate for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 and to transmit the forms required for correcting the FY 2022 IHBG formula data and the FY 2023 IHBG Needs data. In the past, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would mail this information. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HUD is posting the following information on-line at: https://ihbgformula.com/fy2022/:
- FY 2022 Formula Response Form (FRF) including the FY 2022 FRF Appendices A through D and the FY 2023 IHBG Needs Data (Attachment A).
- Calendar of Critical Deadlines and Frequently Asked Questions.
- FY 2022 Correction/Challenge Log showing changes to the IHBG database between February 19, 2021, and May 11, 2021.
Tribes/TDHEs must review their data on the FY 2022 Formula Response Form and report any changes no later than August 1, 2021, to the IHBG Formula Customer Service Center. Census Challenges for the FY 2023 IHBG Needs data must be submitted no later than March 30, 2022, for consideration for the FY 2023 IHBG formula allocation estimates.
Dear Tribal Leader Letter– Coordinated Environmental Review Process Implementation Plan
Since 2015 the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has led an interagency workgroup to develop a coordinated environmental review. In 2015 the workgroup issued a Final Report identifying measures that could be taken to coordinate agencies’ environmental review processes within the existing framework. The workgroup is seeking your input and feedback on the final Implementation Plan. I encourage you to review the Implementation Plan, which can be found on CodeTalk. HUD is interested in your thoughts on the proposed action items in the Implementation Plan, as well as any ideas you have to address the Final Report recommendations and inefficiencies in the environmental review process. Comments, which must be received by July 23, 2021, at 11:59:59 EDT, can be sent via email to Codetalk@hud.gov. Comments and input will be considered before the Implementation Plan is finalized. Continue reading for more information
Dear Lender Letter 2021-05– Section 184 Program Activity
The unprecedent level of program demand means that, prior to the end of FY 2021 (September 30, 2021), the Section 184 program may reach the $1 billion maximum loan limitation level that Congress set in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. To ensure that the program does not exceed the maximum $1 billion loan limitation level, we are tracking the issuance of case numbers and firm commitments on a daily basis. As the program reaches its loan limitation level, we will need to begin a phased in suspension of program activity as specified and required by our internal financial monitoring plan. Select the above link to view the entire letter.
Dear Lender Letter 2021-04– 184/184A Underwriting Guidelines for Borrowers with Previous Mortgage Payment Forbearance
The purpose of this Dear Lender Letter (DLL) is to inform Lenders participating in the Section 184 Indian Home Loan guarantee program (Section 184) and the Section 184A Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee program (Section 184A) of underwriting guidelines for Refinance transactions, including Borrowers with previous COVID-19 Forbearance history, as well as Payment History requirements for purchase transactions for Borrowers with previous COVID-19 Forbearance history.
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Indian Housing Block Grant Program Awards
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), Public Law 117-2, which provides additional funding to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the national impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. ARP included $450 million for the Indian Housing Block Grant program. Linked here you will find a funding summary for each eligible Tribe (“Indian Housing Block Grant- American Rescue Plan (IHBG-ARP) Formula Allocations”).
The $450 million in funding was allocated based on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 tribal allocations. Each tribe will receive 69.1376421680391 percent of their FY 2021 IHBG formula allocation. This percentage is equal to the amount appropriated in the ARP divided by the total amount allocated in FY 2021 under the IHBG formula before repayments and grant adjustments ($450,000,00/ $650,875,537).
Read the full Dear Tribal Leader letter here.
Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Competitive Awards Announced
HUD announced over $91 million in grant awards to 24 Native American Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) across the Nation for new housing construction, housing rehabilitation, and critical infrastructure projects.
The IHBG competition was extremely competitive. HUD received over 140 applications from eligible Native American Tribes and TDHEs. Today’s awards are the result of a thoughtful and rigorous application process. ONAP is excited about this opportunity and thanks everyone who applied. Instructions for requesting a debriefing will be sent to each applicant over the next several days.
Click the link to view the press release https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_21_058
Virtual Meeting Update
GLIHA conducted its first Virtual Meeting on March 10, 2021. There were over 35 participants in this meeting. Thank you for your participation and continued support of Indian housing programs. Below are the links to the PowerPoint presentations from this meeting.
Updates
EWONAP Basic Overview
NAHASDA ESSENTIALS GLIHA March 10, 2021 -part 1 -part 2
Dear Tribal Leader Letter – Supporting Access to COVID-19 Vaccinations
This Dear Tribal Leader (DTL) letter outlines how IHBG-CARES, FY 2020 IHBG, ICDBG-CARES, and FY 2019/2020 ICDBG grant funds can be used to assist Tribal communities with COVID-19 vaccination efforts. In addition, to providing examples of how grant funds can be used, this DTL provides a list of COVID-19 vaccination resources. To learn more about eligible activities, please read the full text of the Dear Tribal Leader letter here.
Changes to Section 3
This Dear Tribal Leader letter highlights recent changes to Section 3 as a result of a Final Rule that was published on September 29, 2020. Beginning on November 30, 2020, the effective date of the Final Rule, Section 3 will no longer apply to Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities.
Tribal HUD VASH 2020 Renewal Awards
In September 2020, HUD awarded almost $3.3 million in Tribal HUD-VASH funding to 26 Tribes and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs). This is the third round of renewal funding provided under the Tribal HUD-VASH demonstration program.
The grants support Native American Veterans and their families by providing rental assistance and associated administrative fees to eligible Tribal HUD-VASH recipients. The funding will ensure that over 350 Native American Veterans who were homeless or at risk of homelessness can continue to be stably housed and receive critical supportive services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The list of grant recipients and funding amounts can be found here.
Waiver of Undisbursed Funds Factor under IHBG Formula for FY21
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 National Emergency, Tribes and TDHEs have experienced delays in expending their Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program funding. To provide relief to these Tribes and TDHEs, HUD is waiving the Undisbursed Funds Factor at 24 CFR 1000.342 with respect to the fiscal year (FY) 2021 IHBG program allocation formula. The waiver provided in this Notice only affects the FY 2021 IHBG formula allocations and does not apply to IHBG formula allocations in years beyond FY 2021.
Program Guidance No. 2020-01– Income Limits under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA)
This guidance replaces Program Guidance 2019-02 with the latest HUD Income Limits applicable to NAHASDA programs.
Environmental Guidance- Tips to Avoid Republication of RROF During COVID-19
This resource provides HUD’s 7015.15 Request Release of Funds (RROF) processing reminders to grantees regarding emailing objections, public review of the environmental review record, and emailing the RROF during COVID-19
HUD’s Office of Native American Programs Reporting Requirements Extension
HUD’s Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) recognizes that, in addition to providing and maintaining affordable housing, Tribes and TDHEs are coordinating emergency health services, emergency housing services, law enforcement, and other essential governmental services in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. ONAP also recognizes that these services are being provided while offices are closed, or staff is significantly reduced or teleworking. Therefore, to provide some relief for Tribes impacted by COVID-19, ONAP is extending the due dates for certain reports. Effective immediately, ONAP is extending, by 90 calendar days, the original due date for the following:
- Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Annual Performance Reports
- IHBG Formula and Competitive
- Quarterly and Final Federal Financial Reports (SF-425) for all ONAP managed grants:
- ICDBG and ICDBG Imminent Threat
- ROSS
- Tribal HUD-VASH
- Tribal HUD-VASH Reports (HUD-50058)
- Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Closeouts and Final Status and Evaluation Reports
- Responses to open findings for Audits
The 90-days extension currently applies to original due dates through June 30, 2020. ONAP is taking these actions pursuant to a March 19, 2020, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M-20-17. This applies to grantees that have fiscal year-ends through June 30, 2020.
HUD Guidance on Eligible Uses for Community Development Block Grant Funds to Support COVID-19 Responses
HUD Quick Guide on Eligible Activities for Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Funds
HUD recently posted a guide on eligible uses for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support coronavirus (COVID-19) responses. The guide is a quick reference tool for grantees, such as Tribes and TDHEs, to use when contemplating how to address the effects of COVID-19 in their communities. While the language in the guide specifically references CDBG, ICDBG has the same eligible activities, and therefore the guide can be considered applicable for both programs.
The guide can be found HERE
Section 184- Guideline for Tribes and TDHE Cash Out Refinance
This letter reminds all approved Section 184 lenders, tribes and tribally designated housing entities (THDEs) of the current Cash-Out Refinances guidelines outlined in Chapter 11 of the Guidelines. The Guidelines provide as follows:
- Maximum Loan Amount- The maximum allowable mortgage amount for a cash-out refinance is 85% of the appraised value of the subject property.
- Maximum Cash to Borrower- Refinances that include a cash distribution directly to the borrower are limited to $25,000.
In the past, the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) granted exceptions to tribes and TDHEs that are Section 184 borrowers and allowed the maximum loan amount to exceed the 85% limit for cash out refinance transactions. ONAP authorized this practice to allow tribes and TDHEs to reinvest in housing in their communities.
This letter formally recognizes this practice and affirms ONAP’s policy to continue this practice and allow tribes and TDHEs to access the equity in their housing stock up to the 97.75% maximum loan to value ratio, provided that the Tribe or TDHE’s purpose of the cash-out refinance is to rehabilitate existing or construct additional housing in their communities. Direct Guarantee lenders must document the Section 184 loan file accordingly. The lenders documentation must clearly show that a determination was made that the tribe or TDHE intended to use the cash-out refinance process for these housing-related purposes.
Program Guidance- No. 2019-05 FBI Criminal History Guidance
Purpose: This guidance updates and replaces NAHASDA Guidance No. 20 13-08, Update to Instructions for Obtaining FBI Criminal History Record Information, August 19, 2013. It advises Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHE5) on the process for obtaining Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history record information of adult applicants for employment or current and prospective tenants for purposes of applicant screening, lease enforcement, and eviction.
Program Guidance 2019-03: Recent Changes to the federal Micro-Purchase and Simplified Acquisition Thresholds
This guidance informs Indian Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities about increases to the micro-purchase and simplified acquisition thresholds for programs involving Federal funds.
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Determining and Using Program Income Under NAHASDA
PIH 2019-07– This notice replaces PIH Notice 2000-18 and provides guidance for determining and using program income generated by the use or disbursement of Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funds.
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Tribal Leaders Handbook on Homeownership
The Center for Indian Country Development’s Tribal Leaders Handbook on Homeownership provides detailed examples, case studies, checklists, and information on developing affordable homeownership in Indian Country. This essential guide provides information on new mortgage programs (government and private), the new kinds of lenders (loan funds, Native CDFIs), and the new energies that are transforming Indian housing. Download a copy HERE.
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Updated Healthy Home Checklist from EPA/CDC/HUD/DHHS
Home assessments can help make homes healthier. Checklist covers the major contributors to asthma and allergies, with suggested action items that are generally simple and low cost. Download a copy HERE.