Housing assistance for Native Americans

Housing help for Native American individuals and families

There are two key programs to support housing for Native Americans and their families.

1. The Housing Improvement Program (HIP) is a home improvement and replacement grant program. It is for Native Americans who:
   • Have a very low income
   • Live in substandard homes on or near a reservation
2. The Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program helps Native American families and tribes get home loans. The government backs these loans, which can make it easier to qualify for a mortgage and buy a home.

Native Americans can also apply for general federal housing programs, including those for:

• Affordable rental housing programs
• Programs to help you buy a home
• Programs for repairing and improving your home

Housing help for Native American veterans

Native American veterans may qualify for further rental and home buying help. 

The Tribal HUD-VASH program helps Native American veterans pay for housing. It also offers support services to help them stay housed. These vets must:

• Be homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Live on or near a reservation or other Indian area

You may also qualify for a Native American Direct Loan (NADL) if you are a veteran who is: 

• Native American, or
• Married to a Native American

You can use the loan to buy, build, or improve a home on federal trust land. NADLs do not require:

• A down payment
• Private mortgage insurance

Who to contact for housing help 

For housing help, contact the following offices:

• To live on private land, contact the Office of Public and Indian Housing.
• To live on a reservation, contact a local Tribally Designated Housing Entity.
• Find your state housing counseling agency online or call 1-800-569-4287.