Iowa Tribe Housing Authority Awarded $500,000 Grant from Federal Home Loan Bank Topeka to Strengthen Native American Housing

White Cloud, Kansas –  The Iowa Tribe Housing Authority (ITHA) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) Topeka through the Native American Housing Initiatives Grants Program. This significant grant will enable ITHA to address essential housing needs within its service area, benefiting low- and moderate-income Native American families and supporting community development across Richardson County, Nebraska.

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The awarded funds will be used to construct a new single-family rental home on the Iowa Tribe’s reservation. The home will provide much-needed housing for a tribal family on the waiting list and feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and energy-efficient amenities designed to enhance safety, reduce utility costs, and support the health and vvell-being of residents. In addition to the home construction, the grant will fund essential infrastructure, including road development, across an 11- acre site, laying the groundwork for future housing developments.

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Since 2020, ITHA has partnered with consultants, the Iowa Tribe, and community members to assess and address critical housing needs. Through ongoing citizen participation meetings and regular needs assessments, ITHA has documented a high demand for affordable, quality housing, particularly for elderly and disabled tribal members, and is working diligently to meet these needs with new development and rehabilitation programs.

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“This funding from FHLBank Topeka is a significant step toward addressing the unmet housing needs in our community,” said Brandi Liberty, Housing Consultant, Iowa Tribe Housing Authority. “It supports our commitment to creating sustainable, energy-efficient housing that enhances the quality of life for our tribal families and strengthens our local economy by employing local contractors and laborers. With this grant, we are moving forward in our mission to support the basic housing needs of Iowa Tribe members.”

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The new housing project is part of a larger initiative to develop additional affordable housing options, including both new construction and rehabilitation of existing units. As ITHA cornpletes a comprehensive housing needs assessment, future plans will focus on expanding services to provide even more options for low- and moderate-income families, ensuring long-term community resilience and prosperity.

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The Iowa Tribe Housing Authority is grateful for the support from FHLBank Topeka and looks forward to furthering its mission to provide safe, sustainable, and affordable housing for the Iowa Tribe and the surrounding communities.

About Jo va Tribe Housing Authority

The Iowa Tribe Housing Authority (ITHA) serves the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska by developing, maintaining, and managing affordable housing. Focused on community development and housing security, JTHA works closely with tribal members and local partners to address housing needs and enhance the overall quality of life for its residents.