TOPEKA, KS – Five tribal entities were recently awarded $1.6 million through the Native American Housing Initiatives (NAHI) Grants Program offered by the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) of Topeka. The projects will be executed in partnership with Sovereign Bank, a community bank wholly owned by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
“Safe and reliable housing creates a foundation for opportunity, stability, and long-term growth,” said Bryan Cain, Sovereign Bank CEO. “When tribal communities have more resources to invest in housing and support programs, it creates stronger opportunities not just for today’s families, but for future generations. It’s a true honor to work alongside these organizations as they bring those efforts to life.”
The NAHI program provides grant funding to federally recognized tribes and tribally designated housing entities to support housing initiatives benefiting tribal communities across Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
As a participating FHLBank member institution, Sovereign Bank worked alongside the tribal entities throughout the NAHI application process and will serve as the local banking partner for the awarded grant funding. The program supports a variety of housing-related initiatives, including down payment assistance, housing rehabilitation, strategic planning, technology improvements, staff development and new housing programs.
Organizations selected for NAHI funding in partnership with Sovereign Bank include:
$500,000 to Cheyenne and Arapaho Housing Authority in Clinton, OK – Funding will help support the acquisition of tiny homes for tribal veterans, provide down payment assistance for moderate-income households and expand rental assistance options for tribal members not served by other programs. The initiative is intended to address housing needs among some of the community’s most underserved populations.
$400,000 to Bah-Kho-Je Housing Authority in Perkins, OK – The award will support the construction of two to three homes intended to replace previous RV housing for tribal members. Tribal leaders said the project aligns with long-term goals focused on stable housing, homeownership and sustainable community development.
$250,000 to Osage Nation in Pawhuska, OK – The Osage Nation plans to use the funding to construct three tiny homes for homeless or at-risk veterans. In addition to expanding housing support, the project is expected to create local employment opportunities and contribute to regional economic activity.
$250,000 to the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma in Tahlequah, OK – Funds awarded through the program will help construct two new homes designated for tribal elders. The development is expected to strengthen community engagement while expanding access to safe and reliable housing.
$200,000 to Otoe-Missouria Tribe Housing Department in Red Rock, OK – The project will provide home repairs and rental assistance for tribal members living within the community. Tribal representatives said the effort will help improve housing conditions while restoring aging homes for local families.
Together, the five projects represent investments in housing stability, infrastructure and long-term community development. Through the NAHI program, tribal housing organizations can address local housing needs while creating opportunities that support future generations.
