U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer said May 22 that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded over $21.5 million in federal funds to tribes in the state’s 6th Congressional District to support housing projects, including about $1.58 million for Suquamish and about $1.8 million for Port Gamle S’Klallam.

The funds may be used for affordable housing, including new housing construction, rehabilitation, housing services, and more, a news release states.

“Across our region, we need more housing people can afford – especially in Indian Country,” Kilmer said. “For too long, the federal government has failed to live up to its treaty and trust responsibilities to tribal nations. As a result, many native communities lack adequate housing. These critical investments will not only help more tribal citizens live in their ancestral homelands but also ease housing challenges for those living nearby. These investments are a win-win for our region.”

The program is the primary means by which the federal government fulfills its trust responsibilities to provide adequate housing to Native Americans and is the single-largest source of Indian housing assistance, per the release. In this round of funding, HUD awarded $1.1 billion in funding to tribes across the nation, representing a 40% increase from last year and the largest-ever funding investment in tribal housing.

“By prioritizing funding and support for housing in tribal communities, HUD is living up to its mission of ensuring that everyone in this country has access to affordable housing options,” said Adrianne Todman, acting HUD secretary. “As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of (the funding program), we are investing in the continued health of tribal communities across our country.”