Upcoming Trainings/Conferences/Events (Click on ONAP S Regional Calendar of Events)

HUD’s Southwest Office of Native American Programs Information Bulletin for the week of January 22, 2018

In this Issue:

What’s New! Federal News Briefs & Important Due Dates
HUD [TRIBAL] NOTICES & GUIDANCES: ONAP Program Guidances:View onlinePIH Notices: View online
Upcoming Trainings/Conferences/Events (Click on ONAP’s Regional Calendar of Events)
Funding Announcements for Tribes and tribal organizations
Helpful Resources
Bits and Pieces
Contact Us Visit our website at .

1.What’s New! Federal News Briefs & Important Due Dates:

HUD's Office of Native American Programs(ONAP)administers housing and community development programs that benefit American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments, tribal members, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Native Hawaiians, and other Native American organizations. Read more about ONAP’s mission, funding programs, directory, and program accomplishments. For more information about ONAP funding and programs, visit the Codetalk Homepage:
Cheryl Dixon-Zuni Named SWONAP’s Deputy Administrator.
From the Desk of David Southerland, SWONAP Administrator - -Cheryl began her new role on January 8, 2018. Cheryl’s knowledge of and passion for providing housing to Native Americans will continue to serve HUD, SWONAP, and our tribal partners well. We are fortunate to have a very talented staff at SWONAP and being able to promote from within when opportunities arise makes it even better. Cheryl will remain in SWONAP’s Albuquerque office.
Vacancy Announcements: Administrator, HUD Office of Native American Programs in Anchorage, AK
The Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) is responsible for policy development and implementation of all ONAP programs in the assigned geographical area. The primary focus of the Administrator' efforts is to ensure the effective and efficient linkages among key parties such as Tribal officials, Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE) directors, tenant groups, associations, other Federal agencies, and Departmental staff. Deadline to apply extended to January 23, 2018. Apply Here.
ONAP Lead Grants Management Specialist (Team Leader), GS-1109-13 – Deadline to apply is Jan. 24, 2018
Two Lead Grants Management Specialist positions are open in two locations - Denver, CO, and Phoenix, AZ. For details, visit
FREEHUD/ONAP Trainings! A few seats are still available, but hurry!REGISTER TODAY
NAHASDA Intermediate January 23-25, 2018 Albuquerque, NM Register at:
TRIBAL HOUSING BOARD OF COMMISSIONER TRAINING February 6-7 Sacramento, CA
Register at: or
NAHASDA Essentials February 6-8 Midwest City, OK Register at:
TRIBAL HOUSING ADMISSIONS & OCCUPANCY March 27-29, 2018 Phoenix, AZ Register at:
CREDIT COUNSELING March 27-28, 2018 Port Angeles, WA Register at:
FEDERAL PROCUREMENT & CONTRACT MANAGEMENT April 25-26, 2018 Sacramento, CA Register at
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Program: The EITC provides more money back at tax time for about 30 million low- and moderate-income working families.The EITC is a tax benefit for working people who earn lower or moderate incomes.The creditoffsets taxes, supplements very low wages, and encourages work.The EITC can help cover any federal income tax workers may owe at tax time. Besides offsetting taxes,workers earning lower wages may also get cash back through the EITC refund. Eligible workers who claim the EITC on their tax return can receive a refund even if they do not owe income tax.Single and married people who worked full- or part-time at some point during 2017 can qualify for the EITC. Unfortunately, one in five eligible workers doesn’t claim the tax credit. Many tribes now offer free income tax preparation services for their tribal members to ensure they claim the credit as well as to save them money on tax preparation fees. Links to free tax preparation sites and marketing tool are available at
USDA Tribal Scholars Program is accepting applications! An online application form is available at: The application deadline is Friday, February 9, 2018. This scholarship program is offered to 1994 Tribal College and University (TCU) students who are interested in pursuing a career with USDA. PROGRAM BENEFITS: One week orientation; Paid full tuition, required academic fees, and books; Paid internship ; Laptop computer ; Mentoring, tutoring, career development, and leadership training. ELIGIBILITY: Must be enrolled in or have graduated from an accredited 1994 Tribal College or University within the past 2-years; Demonstrate an interest in public service and pursuing a career with USDA; Demonstrate an interest in the food and agricultural sciences; Be a U.S. citizen ; Have a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. For more info., contact USDA 1994 Tribal Land-Grant Colleges Universities Program, 1994 Tribal Scholars Program at Email: or by phone: 202-720-6350.
Housing Help: Resources for Native Americans - Contact the following offices for assistance:

To live on public lands, contact the Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH).
To live on a reservation, contact a local Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE).
Locate yourstate housing counseling agencyor call 1-800-569-4287 to locate the agency nearest you.

Native American Housing Programs

Indian Housing's Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) - administers housing community development programs to ensure that safe, decent, affordable housing is available to Native American families.
Indian Housing Grant Programs-provide financial assistancefor Indian tribesto develop affordable housing and toprovide housing activities on a reservation or Indian area. Guidebooks available.
Housing Improvement Program (HIP) – provideshome repair, renovation, replacement, new housing grants.
Native Housing Resources/Tribal Court Clearinghouse (a project of the Tribal Law and Policy Institute):
Healthier Tribal Housing: Combining the Best of Old and New:

2.TRAININGS, CONFERENCES AND EVENTS: Also visit HUD’sCalendar of Events.

Training/Conference/Event / Date/Location / Description
Strategic Planning for Waste Diversion (ITEP) / Jan. 23-25
Reno, NV / This new course for tribal solid waste professionals – Strategic Planning for Waste Diversion, features two outstanding instructors with many years of experience running tribal environmental programs – Ondrea Barber and Virginia LeClere. In addition to lectures and small group work, attendees will also visit several recycling centers at the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. Registeron the ITEP training website at:
NAHASDA INTERMEDIATE (HUD/ONAP) / Jan 23-25
Albuquerque, NM / FREE. If you’ve ever left a NAHASDA training saying, “Wait! I’ve got more questions!”—this training is for you. To dig indeeper, Intermediate NAHASDA will skip lightly over the history of Indian Housing. Trainers will use detailed case studies to illustratehow NAHASDA is applied in real world tribal housing situations. Areas discussed to include eligible activities, eligible families, useful life, audits and records retention, inspections and admissions, relocation, and Indian Preference. Participants will leave the session with increased ability to take rules and regulations and use these to create and runmore effective and compliant housing programs.Registration is FREE at More info at:
Training/Conference/Event / Date/Location / Description
Tackling the Opioid Epidemic in the Chickasaw Nation / Jan. 25
Webinar
3:00-4:00 pm EST / Define Your Direction is a comprehensive prescription opioid abuse prevention movement created by the Chickasaw Nation using Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Southern Plains Tribal Health Board funding. In 2014, Oklahoma ranked 10thin the nation for drug overdose deaths. From 2007 to 2015, more than 5,900 Oklahomans died of unintentional poisonings, with 75% of all of those deaths involving at least one prescription opioid. American Indians in Oklahoma have a higher unintentional poisoning death rate than any other racial or ethnic group in the state.Define Your Direction utilizes multiple strategies aimed at increasing awareness, reducing access to drugs and alcohol, and preventing overdose deaths. Webinar highlights the movement’s various components, challenges experienced during its development implementation phases, and successes. Register at: Click here for abstract and speaker biography:
SW Tribal Housing Alliance Triannual Business Meeting & Training / Jan. 30-31
Scottsdale, AZ / For more information, and to RSVP for SWTHA Training and Business Meeting, visit swtha.org
Tribal Housing Board of Commissioners(HUD/ONAP) / Feb. 6-7
Sacramento, CA / FREEHUD/ONAP training specifically for Tribal Housing Board and staff. Learn the history of the 1937 Housing Act through enactment of NAHASDA, Indian Housing Plans and Annual Performance Reports, Tribal, Housing Board and HUD roles and responsibilities, Ethical Issues and potential Conflicts of Interest, and MUCH more! Registration Open Click here.
Tribal Housing Admissions & Occupancy (HUD/ONAP) / Feb. 7-8
Oklahoma City, OK / FREE course covers Admissions Occupancy program management incl. the application selection process, eligibility for housing assistance, calculating annual income, determining monthly rental or homeownership payments, occupancy standards, collections practices compliance, effective communication techniques with residents, lease agreement compliance, and collections. Participants should bring copies of their own Admissions and Occupancy policies so that they can practice applying them to case studies and role playing exercises. Course also examines how maintaining high standards in the Admissions Occupancy program affects the overall management of tribal housing programs. Register at:
Renewable Energy & Sustainability Conference / Feb. 7-9
Hollywood, FL / 1st Annual Seminole Tribe of Florida Conference. Designed forTribal Officials, Tribal Housing Dept., Utility Staff, Tribal Code Officials, Construction Staff. Click here to Register for this event!
TRIBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT / Feb. 8-9
New Orleans, LA / Click here to Register Click here for Seminar Details
This one and a half day seminar covers: • State of the Industry (Political, Global, Commercial, and Tribal); • Gaming Industry Developments • Regulation Update; • Indian Gaming CODB Report; • Revenue sources, staffing, and software applications; • Leadership; • Maintaining sovereignty through HR practices & ordinances.
Navigating the New EPA UST Rules on Indian Lands: What You Need to Know / Feb. 13
Webinar
9-10 am PST / This free one-hour webinar from UST Training and hosted by The Institute for Tribal Environment Professional’s Tribal Waste and Response Assistance Program. This webinar on UST regulations. Join the webinar: Navigating the New EPA UST Rules on Indian Lands: What You Need to Know Where: Register at
Environmental Review for Tribal Housing Rehabilitation (HUD/ONAP) / Feb. 27-28
Denver, CO / This interactive workshop addresses the environmental review requirements of 24 CFR Part 58 as they apply to HUD-funded housing rehabilitation activities. Participants will learn specific requirements that apply to housing rehabilitation, incl. NEPA other related laws and authorities, and how to evaluate and address them in the environmental review record, from project planning through HUD approval and release of funding. Participants will work with a specific project case study to develop a completed review, enabling them to learn and then use the new knowledge they have gained. The session will wrap up with a discussion of key stumbling points and environmental review best practices. Registration OpenClick Here
Tribal Exchange Network Conference / Feb. 27-28
Tucson, AZ / Registration at
Registration is FREE and open to all interested. A limited number of scholarships are available for tribal attendees to covereligible travel expenses. ContactITEP to request a scholarship by January 23, 2018. ClickHEREto submit yourRegistrationfor the Conference
Creative Tribal Youth Development Programs (National Indian Justice Center) / March 5-7
Anaheim, CA / Creative Youth Development (CYD) integrates arts, sciences, cultures and humanities with youth development principles, sparking youth creativity building critical learning life skills that carry into adulthood. This training session provides information about how CIMCC and TYA are working to foster Native perspectives and practices in the CYD field. It examines the CYD approach, the program benefits for tribal youth, opportunities means to implement CYD programs in tribal communities to fit the specific needs of tribal youth. This training session is designed for tribal leadership, tribal government personnel, tribal educators, tribal youth program personnel, tribal justice personnel, and others concerned with the positive development of tribal youth. Click here for Registration Flyer
Recent Impacts on Tribal Sovereignty & Sovereign Immunity / March 5-7
Anaheim, CA / Recent Impacts on Tribal Sovereignty & Sovereign Immunity. Tribal sovereign immunity is a key aspect of tribal sovereignty. Tribal sovereign immunity has been challenged in recent federal court cases. This training provides information on federal statutes, such as the Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA) and the Violence Against Women Act Amendments (VAWA), impacting tribal sovereignty as well as federal case law challenging tribal sovereignty and tribal sovereign immunity.
Pathways Home (HUD/ONAP) / March 19-23
Sacramento, CA / FREE training. Participants will learn how to deliver a comprehensive homebuyer education program designed to help educate prospective native homebuyers on how to become successful homeowners. The curriculum is specifically tailored for Native American communities. Participants will also learn the most effective methods to help potential homebuyers determine what is best for them; to build a new home or to buy an existing one. Other areas covered in this curriculum include understanding the mortgage loan process, how to prepare a family budget, how to improve credit profiles, how to avoid the pitfalls of predatory lending, foreclosure prevention strategies, and how the family can maintain the home and their personal finances after the purchase. Instructors specialize in homebuyer education and include culturally relevant teaching techniques in the classroom. Save the Date and visit for more info. and to Register.
Credit Counseling Training (HUD/ONAP) / March 27-28
Port Angeles, WA / This FREE 2-day credit counseling training includes tools, resources, exercises to provide the basics of credit counseling. This training prepares participants to offer credit counseling and education to inform tribal members how credit can affect their lives and aid them in achieving their financial objectives. Credit Counseling is important because it can help: improve credit; increase the chances of getting a mortgage; identify ways to reduce the interest rate on loans; in renting an apartment; and potentially reduce the security deposit amount. The training will cover the following areas:
• Financial principles that include net worth, cash flow, identity theft and consumer protection laws
• How to identify and modify ineffective money management behaviors including overcoming financial debt, budgeting debt, and bankruptcy
• Developing successful strategies for achieving financial goals
• Understanding loans and homeownership, including banking, lending, and mortgage ratios
• How to support and counsel tribal members as they address financial challenges and opportunities
• The impact credit has on individuals and families; the importance of reviewing credit reports annually; and, tips on how to establish credit. REGISTER NOW!
Leveraged Funding, Title VIand Strategic Planning / April 10-12
Phoenix, AZ / FRE HUD/ONAP Training. Save the Date and watch for more info. soon. Visit

Procurement & Contract Management for Tribes/TDHEs / April 25-26
Sacramento, CA / FREE HUD/ONAP training. Learn the essentials of Procurement and Contract Management. Training participants at all experience levels will gain the confidence and knowledge to conduct efficient and effective procurement that complies with HUD and other funding source requirements. This 2-day training addresses both procurement and contract management. Training topics will range from careful preplanning and thebasics of purchasing to unique factors in tribal housing purchasing, the practical how-to’s of procurement planningand policy development, as well as specific regional issues. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate inhands-on group exercises that are designed to turn theoretical knowledge into daily practice. for your Indian Housing and Community Development projects. Register at:
Tribal Housing Maintenance (HUD/ONAP) / May 15-16
Reno, NV / FREE HUD/ONAP training. Learn tips, tools and best practices for maintenance of tribal housing units. More info. coming soon. Visit
Indian Housing Plan/Annual Performance Report Training (HUD/ONAP) / May 16-17
Phoenix, AZ / FREE HUD/ONAP training. Save the Date. Learn about compiling and submitting HUD’s required reports for Indian Housing Block Grant recipients. Workshop will include overview of new EPIC on-line system. Registration details and more info. to come soon.

3.FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR TRIBES/TRIBAL ENTITIES:

Agency/Source / Submission Deadline / Additional Information
GRANTS TO SUPPORT PUBLIC SAFETY PROJECTS IN INDIAN COUNTRY (DOJ) / March 20 / FY2018 U.S. Dept. of Justice grants for comprehensive funding to federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments and tribal consortia to support public safe-ty, victim services crime prevention. Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation, or “CTAS,” is at The funding can be used to enhance law enforcement; bolster adult and juvenile justice systems; prevent and control juvenile delinquency; serve native victims of crimes such as child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and elder abuse; and support other efforts to combat crime.