TCC Housing Update

As we transition into the colder months, the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) is excited to share updates on various housing initiatives taking place across our communities. Our commitment to improving living conditions and expanding housing opportunities for our Tribal members remains strong. Here’s a look at our ongoing and upcoming projects.

Project Highlights

• Ruby:  We are pleased to announce our collaboration with the Ruby Tribe to rehabilitate eight homes under a HUD Healthy Homes grant. Materials have been sent, and this project aims to enhance living conditions for many families in Ruby.
• Circle:  With the arrival of colder weather, our housing project in Circle is set to restart, with an anticipated completion date in the fall of 2024. Additionally, a Circle Tribal member is leading TCC’s first BIA Category D mortgage buy-down assistance program, which will provide $75,000 from HUD for down payment assistance on a traditionally financed home in Fairbanks.
• Northway:  Progress continues in Northway, where the housing project is now 98% complete, with full completion expected by the end of August 2024.
• Koyukuk:  In partnership with the Koyukuk Tribe, TCC is executing a HUD Healthy Homes grant, sending materials to rehab seven Tribal homes. We are also collaborating with a Tribal crew to construct two new homes under a BIA HIP grant.
• Nikolai:  TCC is working closely with the Nikolai Tribe on the construction of seven new homes. The home packages have been delivered, and the Tribe is coordinating with TCC’s survey department to assist with platting parcels and construction.
• Grayling:  A new two-bedroom home is being funded through the BIA HIP program, enhancing housing options for our community members.
• Holy Cross:  Two homes selected for BIA HIP rehabilitation services will commence once materials arrive via barge. Additionally, a two-bedroom home is planned for funding through BIA HIP in 2025.
• Minto:  A four-bedroom home is being funded under the BIA HIP program for a Tribal member in Minto.

Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance (EFLEA) Grant

The TCC Housing Department is also making strides with the EFLEA Grant, having received funding to rehabilitate or build new VPSO offices and holding cell spaces in Alatna, Eagle, Kaltag, Rampart, Tetlin, and Venetie. Materials for these projects have been ordered and delivered, with completion expected by the grant’s end date of August 2024.

Department of Energy Electrification Grant Update

TCC’s housing program, in partnership with the Native Village of Hughes, is taking the lead on a DOE Housing Electrification rebate program grant. This initiative under the US Department of Energy Office of State and Community Energy Programs offers over $3 million in formula funding aimed at low-income Tribal homes. Eligible projects include replacing water heaters, installing heat pumps, and upgrading electrical panels. Each Tribe has an allocation of approximately $100,000-$200,000, which could potentially double or triple. Applications are due by May 2025, and we encourage all Tribes to participate to secure their funding.

Looking Ahead

2024 Projects:

• Jail rehabilitations in Alatna, Eagle, Kaltag, and Tetlin.
• New jails in Rampart and Venetie.

2025 Projects:

• BIA HIP homes in Minto, Circle, Huslia, Holy Cross, and Grayling.
• Home rehabilitation programs in Koyukuk (7 homes) and Ruby (13 homes).

Employment opportunities related to these projects are being handled by the Tribes. For more information on job openings, please contact your local Tribal office.

We’re Here to Help!

For further details on any of our housing initiatives, please reach out to:

Mitch Shewfelt, Housing Department Manager
907-452-8251 ext. 3319
Mitchell.Shewfelt@tananachiefs.org

Floyd Green, Housing Project Manager
907-452-8251 ext. 3319
Floyd.Green@tananachiefs.org