A new housing unit developed by the Cook Inlet Housing Authority in Alaska. Photo from Carole Gore Testimony

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held an oversight hearing this afternoon on loan leveraging in Indian Country.

The committee heard from three Indian housing experts. They said inadequate federal funds, lack of interest from financial institutions and internal tribal governance matters can contribute to difficulties in securing funds for housing projects.

As one issue, Robert Gauthier of the United Native American Housing Association said the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program is primarily benefiting Native Americans who don't live on reservations. That appears to run counter to the program's original goal, he told the committee.

The hearing lasted about two hours. Audio can be found on the Indianz.Com SoundCloud.

Committee Notice:
Oversight Hearing on "Loan Leveraging in Indian Country." (February 4, 2014)

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