The Warm Springs Housing Authority is set to break ground on seven new three-bedroom homes after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs a $5 million grant — welcome news for a reservation community that has struggled for years with a persistent housing shortage.
U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced the award Wednesday as part of a nearly $9.9 million package to two Oregon tribes through HUD's Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Competitive Program. The competitive grant program funds new home construction and housing rehabilitation projects in tribal communities, prioritizing households with low incomes.
Seven Homes for Warm Springs Families
The Warm Springs Housing Authority's $5 million award will fund the construction of seven three-bedroom homes for low-income families on the reservation. Edward R. Henderson, Secretary-Treasurer and CEO of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, credited Housing Director Danielle Wood with securing the award.
"We are grateful for HUD's significant investment in our Nation that will help us provide new affordable housing for Warm Springs families who need safe, stable homes. We appreciate Housing Wood's effort to secure this award for our community."
No construction timeline has yet been announced, but the grant represents one of the larger single housing investments the tribe has received in recent years.
Addressing a Long-Standing Shortage
Affordable housing has been a persistent challenge on the Warm Springs Reservation, where demand has historically outpaced available units. Overcrowding and aging housing stock have been ongoing concerns for tribal members and leadership alike.
The seven new homes funded by this grant will add to the Housing Authority's portfolio and provide stable housing for families currently on waiting lists or living in substandard conditions.
Senators Merkley and Wyden both praised the investment, noting that stable housing is foundational to health, education, and economic outcomes for tribal communities.
The remaining portion of the nearly $9.9 million HUD package — $4.9 million — went to the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians in Douglas County, which will use its funding to build seven single-family homes and develop infrastructure for an additional housing project.
For more information about the Warm Springs Housing Authority's programs, tribal members can contact the Housing Authority office on the reservation.