The Crow Tribe of Montana and the Fannie Mae mortgage association signed a deal on Tuesday to help tribal members become homeowners.

As part of the agreement, Fannie Mae will obtain conventional financing for tribal members. Shawn Real Bird, the economic development director for the tribe, said Fannie Mae is taking on a risk to help first-time homeowners.

Federal funding only provides for five new homes a year, said Real Bird. He said 5,000 people are on the waiting list for housing.

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Deal to help tribal home buyers (The Billings Gazette 8/18)