The Warm Springs Housing Authority will receive $5 million in federal funding to build seven three-bedroom homes for low-income tribal families, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced this week.
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program, which distributes annual awards to tribal housing authorities across the country. The Oregon announcement also included $4.9 million for the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe — bringing the combined total for Oregon tribal nations to nearly $10 million.
A Direct Investment in Warm Springs Families
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Chief Executive Officer Edward R. Henderson expressed gratitude for the federal investment and highlighted what it means for families on the reservation.
"Housing is essential to keeping families on their land and connected to their community. This funding will make a direct and lasting difference for families here in Warm Springs." — CTWS CEO Edward R. Henderson
Senator Merkley echoed that sentiment, noting the grants help tribal members maintain their connection to ancestral homelands. Senator Wyden called housing a basic human right and framed the investment as a concrete step toward meeting that standard.
Addressing a Long-Standing Need
Housing has long been a critical challenge on the Warm Springs Reservation, where demand for affordable units has consistently outpaced supply. Federal block grant funding, while meaningful, typically covers only a fraction of the overall need — making each new award significant for the families on waiting lists.
The seven planned homes will be three-bedroom units designed for low-income tribal families. Specific construction timelines have not yet been announced, but the Housing Authority is expected to begin planning and permitting in the coming months.
About the Indian Housing Block Grant Program
The IHBG program was established under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 and remains one of the primary federal tools for addressing housing shortfalls in tribal communities. Unlike formula grants tied to specific projects, the block grant structure gives tribal housing authorities flexibility to direct funds where they are most needed.
The Warm Springs Housing Authority administers housing programs for enrolled tribal members living on and near the reservation. Residents interested in the waitlist or housing programs can contact the Authority's offices in Warm Springs.