Four New Mexico-based tribal housing organizations received a total of $550,000 in Native American Housing Opportunities (NAHO) Fund grants from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and its members, Del Norte Credit Union, Wells Fargo, and Southwest Capital Bank.
FHLB Dallas introduced the NAHO Fund earlier this year to address the housing needs of federally recognized tribes and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) by providing grants up to $50,000 to $150,000 per application.
“We are committed to helping tribal housing organizations overcome challenges like inadequate infrastructure and the need for capacity building,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of community investment at FHLB Dallas. “These grants empower the tribes to develop sustainable housing solutions that improve the quality of life for indigenous families.”
Eligible uses for the NAHO Fund grants range from down payment, closing cost, and rental assistance to repairs and new construction. The program also provides grants for administrative and operational expenses, such as new program development and consultant fees for TDHEs, according to FHLB Dallas.
The New Mexico recipients are Espanola, which received a $150,000 grant; Jemez Pueblo, which was awarded a $138,895 grant; Santa Fe, which garnered a grant totaling $118,305; and San Felipe Pueblo, a $142,800 grant awardee.
“Our relationships in New Mexico are essential to fulfilling our vision of improving lives by providing economic opportunities, financial tools and resources that create healthy, thriving families,” Chief Growth Officer Marco Padilla of Del Norte Credit Union said.
Lauren Hornett, vice president of philanthropy and community impact at Wells Fargo, said her group was delighted to work with FHLB Dallas on this opportunity. “At Wells Fargo, we believe everyone deserves a quality, safe, affordable place to call home, and do everything we can to make that happen,” she said.
Southwest Capital Bank provided two of the four grants in New Mexico, where the NAHO Fund was a tremendous opportunity to support affordable housing on tribal land, said Marshall Neel, senior vice president of compliance and CRA Officer at Southwest Capital Bank. “We are pleased to partner with the San Felipe Pueblo and San Ildefonso Housing Authorities on these important housing projects,” he said.