From constructing tiny homes for tribal veterans to restoring a community space for cultural activities, the third year of FHLBank Topeka’s Native American Housing Initiatives (NAHI) Grants Program is set to create meaningful impact. Applications opened in June with a planned $3.6 million available for grassroots projects that uplift Native American communities.

“We are honored to deepen our support for Native American communities in our district with $5 million in grants,” said Jeff Kuzbel, FHLBank Topeka president and CEO. “The strength and vision reflected in the proposals we received from tribal nations made it clear that expanding our commitment was the right choice. Insights from our members and Native American partners following two years of our NAHI Program affirmed this flexible program is a powerful model with meaningful impact.”

As a part of the voluntary programs that fulfill our housing and community development mission, we chose to expand NAHI contributions to $5 million. The number of projects assisted has increased each year with eight projects receiving funding in the 2023 inaugural offering, 12 grants funded in 2024 and 16 projects assisted this year.

Thank you to our members for supporting tribes and tribally designated housing entities in your communities in the grant application process.

Funds will be used to support affordable housing and community development for Native American communities. Following is a full list of the selected applicants (in descending order by grant amount):

1. $500,000 to Cheyenne and Arapaho Housing Authority in Clinton, Oklahoma, in partnership with Sovereign Bank, Shawnee, Oklahoma, for several purposes including: acquisition of tiny homes for tribal veterans, down payment assistance for moderate-income households and flexible rental assistance for tribal members not served by other programs.
   
   From the application: “These funds will make a measurable impact on some of the most underserved populations in our community.”
2. $500,000 to the Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Nebraska and Kansas in Reserve, Kansas, in partnership with Chickasaw Community Bank, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for rehabilitation and repairs for existing homes, including window replacement, sewer system upgrades and erosion control for tribal roads.
   
   From the application: “The funding will create transformative change for the Sac & Fox Nation.”
3. $500,000 to Iowa Tribe Housing Authority in White Cloud, Kansas, in partnership with Chickasaw Community Bank, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to construct three affordable homes using advanced 3D-printed technology.
   
   From the application: “The grant will address the Tribe’s critical and longstanding housing shortage by constructing affordable homes using advanced 3D-printed technology, a first-of-its- kind project in Indian Country.”
4. $500,000 to Wichita Housing Authority in Anadarko, Oklahoma, in partnership with Native American Bank, Denver, Colorado, to support the development of the Etzanoa subdivision, which currently has four developed lots and 42 undeveloped lots.
   
   From the application: “There is an insufficient supply of affordable housing in the area for the workers in the area. Many workers must commute from outside the area for employment.”
5. $400,000 to Muscogee Creek Nation in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, in partnership with BancFirst, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to help support a planned 60-unit rental project for low-income tenants at or below 60% AMI.
   
   From the application: “Due to its isolation, years of disinvestment and historical traumas faced by Tribal communities, the MCN Reservation faces an economic and housing crisis. Our Department of Housing has a waiting list of 816 families for affordable housing.”
6. $400,000 to Bah-Kho-Je Housing Authority in Perkins, Oklahoma, in partnership with Sovereign Bank, Shawnee, Oklahoma, to construct two to three homes to replace previous RV housing for tribal members.
   
   From the application: “The project will not only provide safe, affordable housing for families in need, but it will also support the Tribe’s long-term goals of homeownership, economic growth and sustainable community development.”
7. $300,000 to Wyandotte Nation in Wyandotte, Oklahoma, in partnership with Welch State Bank in Welch, Oklahoma, to purchase and install 10-20 storm shelters in owner-occupied homes and help up to 17 eligible tribal citizens purchase, install or repair septic tanks and wells.
   
   From the application: “Residential storm shelters are a vital component to resilient housing infrastructure, particularly for Native communities located in areas prone to tornadoes and severe storms. Assistance with septic tank installation and repairs, along with well digging and installation, are critical components of promoting and sustaining tribal housing, especially in a rural area with limited, or in some cases non-existent, access to public utilities.”
8. $300,000 to Comanche Nation Housing Authority in Lawton, Oklahoma, in partnership with Liberty National Bank, Lawton, Oklahoma, to rehabilitate 37 elder units prioritizing safety and accessibility repairs like electrical hazards, heating and cooling, sub-floor and roof repair, appliance replacement and repair, and ADA accessibility modifications.
   
   From the application: “The funds will allow CNHA to serve elder homeowners, addressing urgent housing rehabilitation needs and helping elders maintain residency in their homes and communities.”
9. $250,000 to Osage Nation in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, in partnership with Sovereign Bank, Shawnee, Oklahoma, to construct three tiny homes for homeless or at-risk veterans.
   
   From the application: “Improved quality of life through stable housing leads to better health, promotes community cohesion, preserves tribal heritage and supports long-term self-sufficiency. Construction projects will also create local employment opportunities and stimulate the regional economy.”
10. $250,000 to the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, in partnership with Sovereign Bank, Shawnee, Oklahoma, to construct two new homes designated for tribal elders.
    
    From the application: “The developments are anticipated to foster stronger community cohesion by encouraging engagement with tribal programs and cultural activities, particularly for elders and veterans.”
11. $200,000 to Southern Ute Tribe in Ignacio, Colorado, in partnership with First National Bank Cortez in Cortez, Colorado, to provide down payment assistance for tribal members.
    
    From the application: “A key barrier to homeownership in the community is the lack of accessible down payment assistance, particularly for first-time homebuyers and individuals with limited savings.”
12. $200,000 to the Modoc Nation in Miami, Oklahoma, in partnership with Welch State Bank in Welch, Oklahoma, to renovate two housing units, including upgrades to electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, roofing and interior improvements.
    
    From the application: “The upgrades will address structural concerns that pose immediate health risks to current and future tenants, improve energy efficiency and reduce long-term utility costs for residents.”
13. $200,000 to Otoe-Missouria Tribe Housing Department in Red Rock, Oklahoma, in partnership with Sovereign Bank, Shawnee, Oklahoma, to provide home repairs and rental assistance to tribal members.
    
    From the application: “These funds would have an enormous impact on our small, isolated, tribal community. By repairing many of these old homes, we can restore pride in our community and tribal members.”
14. $200,000 to the Northern Ponca Housing Authority in Norfolk, Nebraska, in partnership with FNBO, Omaha, Nebraska, to serve three purposes: rehabilitate homes, provide down payment assistance and offer emergency assistance to support urgent needs such as utility payments, mortgage assistance and appliance replacement.
    
    From the application: “Addressing this gap through targeted funding would create pathways to sustainable homeownership, empower residents and strengthen the overall fabric of our community.”
15. $200,000 to Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, in partnership with Chickasaw Community Bank, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to rehabilitate two to four abandoned homes to provide homeownership opportunities.
    
    From the application: “We believe this project is a unique opportunity to positively change the outcomes of the residents by providing a ‘reset’ in the community culture. Additionally, we believe this successful project will become a model for other tribal nations to follow, including other communities in the Cherokee Nation.”
16. $100,000 to Peoria Housing Authority in Miami, Oklahoma, in partnership with Sovereign Bank, Shawnee, Oklahoma, to rehabilitate the aging Ottawa/Peoria Community Building by removing and replacing insulation, repairing flooring and completing other interior repairs.
    
    From the application: “The Native American culture is a family, community-based culture. The cultural activities, such as stomp dances and family events, are important for the many Native Americans living in this area. The improvements would provide not only a site for several activities but also a safe, healthy and more enjoyable experience for our tenants and their families.”