Thursday, Jun 13 2013 3:15PM

HUD grants will help hundreds of Native Americans and Alaskan Native tribes obtain affordable housing.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $563 million in grants to 353 American Indian and Alaskan Native organizations that represent 539 tribes across the U.S.

The funds were distributed through the HUD's Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program, and will be used to provide affordable housing assistance to Native American and Alaskan Native communities throughout the country. The grants typically apply to those living on reservations or in other Native American communities, and can be used to build new homes or update existing structures built under the Indian Housing Program. 

"Hardworking American families in tribal communities should be able to live in communities where they have a fair shot to reach their potential," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "The resources provided today will give these tribal communities the tools to maintain quality housing, prevent overcrowding, improve public safety and provide other basic building blocks of security and success."

Poverty rates among Native Americans and Alaskan Natives remains high, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau report. The findings reveal that poverty rates for Alaskan Natives is 16.6 percent, and 30 percent or higher in states that include, New Mexico and Arizona. 

For more information, check out this resource: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development