CASE STUDY - National American Indian Housing Council

NAHASDA Activity: Crime and Prevention and Safety ActivitiesThe provision of safety, security, and law enforcement measures and activitiesappropriate to protect residents of affordable housing from crime.CASE STUDY – Menominee TribeProject Activity Description: Drug Elimination Program.The Menominee Reservation is located in northeastern Wisconsin, about 45 milesnorthwest of Green Bay. The reservation spans approximately 235,000 acres, of which223,500 acres are heavily forested, representing the largest single tract of virgintimberland in Wisconsin. The total tribal enrollment is 7,202, with reservationpopulation being approximately 4,000.TRIBAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATIONThe housing component of the Menominee Tribe is known as the MenomineeTribal Housing Department, which falls under the infrastructure of the tribal government.A committee known as the Legislative Housing Committee oversees the governance ofthe Housing Department. The Housing Committee consists of six members and has theauthority to make recommendations on housing issues, assist with policy development,and monitor adherence to policies. The administration of the Housing Departmentconsists of an Executive Director responsible for a staff of thirty-nine employees thatcarry out day-to-day operations within the Housing Department.IDENTIFIED NEEDSDrugs and crime activities have progressed aggressively for the Menominee Tribeover the last decade and have escalated to a point of becoming extremely visible amongall community members. Some of the most prevalent drugs being used in the communityare heroine, cocaine, crack, THC, and alcohol. Research for the tribe has shown that thehighest drug usage was among the youths of the community, predominantly among thosewho are eleven years old, with the youngest case being seven years old.use:The following are some of the most notable consequences resulting from drug• Domestic violence• Child abuse and negligence• Death• Destruction of community neighborhoods• Vandalism• Highly dysfunctional families• Alcoholism• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome• Gang activity30