The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded nearly $200 million to 52 Native American tribes across the country, with $4.8 million dedicated to the Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority.
“On behalf of the Red Cliff Tribal Council, I’d like to thank HUD for awarding our community this much needed affordable housing grant. This will be a huge step forward in addressing the critical housing shortage that is so prevalent in Red Cliff,” said Rick Peterson, Red Cliff Tribal Chairman.
This grant will help the Red Cliff Band upgrade existing rental units and develop new affordable housing. This will allow for 12 low-income modular units, 10 homeownership units and a much needed six-plex modernization. Nathan Gordon, Red Cliff Tribal Vice Chairman, added that this project also gives some of our membership the option of coming home and living in Red Cliff.
A full team effort, with most of the proposal writing done by Planner / Grant Writer Betty Kerr and former Housing Director Cheryl Cloud, helped the Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority become the only tribe in Wisconsin to receive this award, and one of eight tribes in the Eastern Woodlands Region of ONAP.
“I’m happy for the community,” said Kerr. “It’s an exciting opportunity for us and the community at a financially tough time. This grant will provide badly needed additional low-income rental housing and provide an opportunity for Red Cliff Tribal Members to have the opportunity to own an affordable home.”
This award could also potentially create job opportunities for our members to help with the building and renovation process. The Red Cliff Band is excited to utilize the grant for improving the daily lives of our community members.
“I also want to give a huge miigwech to all of our staff. Their perseverance and tireless dedication to this grant proposal ultimately made this award possible,” said Chairman Peterson.
