CNHA receives one-time $1,035,000 federal grant to prevent and reduce overcrowding
LAWTON, Okla. (May 12, 2022) – Comanche Nation Housing Authority (CNHA), a Comanche Nation-affiliated organization that promotes self-sufficiency and provides affordable, safe and decent housing to low-income tribal members, recently announced The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $1,035,000 in COVID-19 relief to assist its prevention, preparation and response efforts to the ongoing pandemic through housing construction and rehabilitation.
“Overcrowding is one of the most crucial housing issues among our tribal Nation,” said Nora Sovo, deputy director of CNHA. “This is the first time our team will have the opportunity to specifically address this matter thanks to the additional support and funding we have received from this grant.”
CNHA received the one-time federal grant as part of the Indian Community Development Block Grant Imminent Threat-American Rescue Plan (ICDBG-ARP). This funding will allow CNHA to extend its home improvement efforts through two programs. The Homeowner Rehabilitation Program, up to 15 units with ventilation systems and the Construction Program, up to 12 units suffering overcrowded conditions.
“We conducted a survey with responses from over 100 Tribal members on what issues they felt were the most prominent and needed immediate attention,” said Sovo. “Over 60 percent of respondents stated they live in substandard or overcrowded conditions with more than 90 percent reporting the need for improvements to their home mechanical ventilation systems.”
The Homeowner Rehabilitation Program will focus on repairing or replacing ventilation systems in order to improve the air quality by removing allergens, pollutants and moisture that can enhance COVID-19 risks. The Construction Program will reduce overcrowding through the completion of feasible construction tasks to incorporate additional bedroom or bathroom space in qualified units.
Both programs are now accepting applications from Tribal members who are living within CNHA’s service areas and are income eligible. CNHA will select homes in urgent need of rehabilitation services based upon living conditions and other eligibility requirements. All services must be completed within the grants one-year term life, expiring on February 28, 2023.
CNHA currently serves five counties in Southwest Oklahoma, including Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Kiowa, and Tillman, for their federal grant programs. To learn more about this Home Rehabilitation Program and Construction Program or to apply, call 580-357-4956 or visit www.comanchehousing.com.
ABOUT COMANCHE NATION HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Comanche Nation Housing Authority (CNHA) provides rental and housing assistance to low-income and other enrolled members of the Comanche Nation through a number of its service programs, including the down payment and closing cost grant, Elder home rehabilitation program, rental program, student housing program, homeownership lease purchase program and CNHA emergency home repair program (HIP). CNHA currently operates in seven counties – Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Kiowa, Tillman for federal grant programs with Stephens and Grady added for the Elder and HIP programs. For more information about program requirements and low-income guidelines, call 580-357-4956 or visit www.comanchehousing.com.
