Native America Calling: String of new affordable housing options offer hope for struggling urban Native Americans

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Native America Calling: String of new affordable housing options offer hope for struggling urban Native Americans

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

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String of new affordable housing options offer hope for struggling urban Native Americans

Organizers in Chicago, Illinois, just broke ground on a 45-unit affordable housing project specifically for Native Americans that is scheduled to open this year. The $34 million development is known as Jigzibik, in the Irving Park neighborhood.

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians just cut the ribbon in October 2025 for 40 new affordable housing units in Salem, Oregon. And over in Oakland, California, the city is working on 76 new homes for low-income Native Americans attached to a Native health facility.

The surge in projects specifically geared toward urban Native Americans is meant to offset barriers that disproportionately affect their ability to keep a roof over their heads. Tune in to hear about the factors fueling the surge in new affordable housing projects in various cities.

Artist’s rendering of Jigzibik, a housing development at 2907 W. Irving Park Road in Chicago, Illinois. Image courtesy Visionary Ventures NFP Corp.

Guests on Native America Calling

Shelly Tucciarelli (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin), executive director of Visionary Ventures NFP Corp. and vice president of the Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative in Illinois

Sky Waters (Osage), community development director at the Native American Youth and Family Center in Oregon

Anthony Guzman (Northern Ute), chief cultural officer at the Native American Health Center in California

Bryan Singer (Crow), entrepreneur development specialist for the Montana Department of Commerce Indian Country Economic Development programs and member of the Mountain Shadow Association board in Montana