CASE STUDY - National American Indian Housing Council

An elder within the community talked with other community members anddetermined that housing was one of the major factors in why their young adults werereturning.Comment from elder in community:“My concern was the students! I noticed that some our students were coming home,not finishing their year of going out to college; they couldn’t finish cause of lack offunding!”Comment from a student:“It’s the easiest part to get out and to go to school, but it’s hard to find housing and tokeep up with monthly payments!”How did the tribe find a solution?This issue was brought to the attention of the Housing Executive Director whothen brought the issue to the Housing Board of Commissioners to see if anything couldbe done to assist the younger generation while they were attending school.Through NAHASDA, under the fundable activity of Housing Assistance, theMetlakatla Community found a solution. A tribal resolution was passed and the housingdirector was given the task of setting up the assistance program.How did the housing authority finance the project?In funding the project, the tribe utilized $45,000 from NAHASDA and designedthe program to work in conjunction with the education department. Each student receivesa stipend of $250.00 monthly, along with education resources, in order to alleviate someof the living expenses that students incur. The assistance has proven to be successful inthat students are completing their yearly curriculums. Information has also shown thatmore community members are leaving to attend school.What was the process of putting the project together?In establishing the program, the following steps were conducted:Conduct Assessment• Determine number of students to serve• Determine other resources that areavailable20