Press Releases

Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) announced over $2 million in funding for the Ohkay Owingeh Housing Authority and Pueblo of Zia to help alleviate the housing shortage.  This essential funding comes directly from the American Rescue Plan Act which Congresswoman Leger Fernández helped pass into law earlier this year.

Ohkay Owingeh Housing Authority and Pueblo of Zia will each receive $1,035,000. These grants will help the Ohkay Owingeh Housing Authority rehabilitate 13 privately-owned homes and the Pueblo of Zia construct seven (7) new homes. Overcrowding and poor housing conditions contributed to the pandemic’s devastating impact on Tribal communities and exacerbated housing insecurity.

“The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the housing shortages that affect our Tribal communities every day. Building new homes and rehabilitating housing in place must be a priority and this funding helps meet that need,” said Leger Fernández. “Everyone deserves a safe and welcoming place to call home.”

“Ohkay Owingeh being an awardee of the ICDBG ARP will benefit many of our Tribal members, who have been affected by COVID and are in need of the assistance. I and the Tribal Council are extremely appreciative of the award and want to say thank you for helping our people,” said Governor Joseph Aguino.

“The Pueblo of Zia tribal members will be so blessed to receive new housing as it will help with overcrowding, families living off the reservation due to no housing available and will provide affordable housing. It’s been 25 years since homes were built for the community. A great time to receive such a blessing as the Christmas season is here and we’re very thankful,” said Rachel Salas, Housing Manager for Pueblo of Zia.

This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Indian Community Development Block Grant Program secured through the American Rescue Plan Act.

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