The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in northeastern Oregon is taking steps to improve housing for tribal elders with the help of a $50,000 grant, announced USDA Rural Development today at the Intertribal Agriculture Council meeting in Pendleton.
“Safe, reliable housing is essential for rural communities to thrive, which is why USDA provides grants to qualified organizations to help homeowners make needed housing repairs and improvements,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Vicki Walker. “With this grant, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation will improve living conditions for tribal elders with modest means while also creating work for local housing contractors who will make the repairs.”
This funding is being provided through USDA’s Housing Preservation Grant Program and is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.
The tribal housing department will provide up to $5,000 to eligible households to remove health and safety concerns in their homes. More than 1,400 tribal members live in the community, many in dwellings that were built between 1970 and 1996 with no repairs or upgrades since that time. The USDA grant will provide for roof repairs or replacement, updated electrical wiring, new septic systems, updated bathrooms with walk-in showers that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, the installation of well pumps, and siding repairs to help weatherize the homes. Up to 15 low-income tribal elders who otherwise would not have the resources to make these repairs will receive assistance with the funding announced today.