The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) reorganized the system of housing assistance provided to Native Americans through the Department of Housing and Urban Development by eliminating several separate programs of assistance and replacing them with a block grant program. There are two programs authorized for Indian Tribes under NAHASDA which are the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) which is a formula-based grant program and the Title VI Loan Guarantee which provides financing guarantees to Indian tribes for private market loans to develop affordable housing. Each year tribes receive an allocation of IHBG funding, based on a funding formula that distributes equitable shares of the annual appropriation made by Congress. The Tribe may entrust its IHBG to a Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE), who will carry out the Tribe’s housing assistance program. The IRHA is the TDHE for the Doyon Region encompassing Interior Alaska and currently serves 31 Tribes.
For housing opportunities please click on the links below for each program offered through the IRHA.
- To assist with and promote affordable housing activities.
- To develop and operate housing in a safe and healthy environment on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas for occupancy by low-income families.
- To ensure better access to private mortgage markets for Indian Tribes and their members, and to promote self-sufficiency of Indian Tribes and their members.
- To promote self-sufficiency and coordinate activities to provide housing for Indian Tribes and their members.
- To plan for and integrate infrastructure resources for Indian Tribes with housing development.
- To promote the development of private capital markets in Indian Country and to allow such markets to operate and grow, thereby benefiting Indian Communities.
The primary objectives, under which all Tribes and their TDHEs operate, are:
By collaborating with Tribes, the IRHA is impacting housing needs throughout the region by making homes safe and energy efficient. Through innovative programs, the IRHA is bringing housing opportunities for homeownership to Alaskan Native and Native American families.
Applications & Forms
Find applications for housing programs, rental support, and assistance services.
Tribal Equity Advantage Mortgage (TEAM)The TEAM program is specifically designed to provide Alaskan Native/American Indians in the Fairbanks Area with affordable housing.
The TEAM program is specifically designed to provide Alaskan Native/American Indians in the Fairbanks Area with affordable housing. Eligible housing units consist of single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. Multi-unit buildings such as duplexes are not eligible for purchase in this program. Clients must comply with regulations and guidelines set forth by the NAHASDA Act of 1996 and the IRHA policies and procedures.
The grant is up to 20% of the purchase price of your new home (purchase price may not exceed $300,000.00). This grant is designed to help with the down payment and closing costs. After you meet with your mortgage lender, bring your pre-approval letter along with a complete application for TEAM (it must be 100% complete) to the Housing Department. Grant funds are on a first come, first serve basis.
Eligibility requirements are:
- Be a Native Alaskan or American Indian
- Have a certificate of Indian blood card from the BIA or other Tribal enrollment documents
- Have a family household income at or below HUD’s income limit
- Buyers must contribute 100% of the required earnest money
- Buyers may purchase single family residence, condos or town houses. Purchase of any type of rental properties such as a duplex, four-plex, etc. is not eligible
All clients must comply with the HUD rules and regulations and the IRHA policies and procedures for all programs.
Home Ownership Program (HOP)Homeownership Program (HOP) is for eligible low-income Alaska Native/American Indian families that can’t quite obtain a home loan through conventional methods.
Homeownership Program (HOP) is for eligible low-income Alaska Native/American Indian families that can’t quite obtain a home loan through conventional methods. This program offers homes to those that meet the IRHA and HUD requirements to purchase a home from IRHA over a 20 year period. Monthly obligation payments are based on the household’s monthly income. Approved clients must have a minimum annual income of $20,000.00.
The intent of this program is to help eligible clients who cannot acquire a conventional mortgage through a mortgage lender to become homeowner. This program is essentially a 20-year purchase agreement with the IRHA to acquire a home through payments based on annual income and a 4% interest. Clients must meet all terms of the agreement and the amortization period prior to conveyance of the home.
- Fairbanks – Applicants are required to pay a Minimum Monthly Payment (MMP) of $250.00 or 30% of their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), or whichever is greater
- Village – Applicants are required to pay a Minimum Monthly Payment (MMP) of $150.00 or 15% of their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), or whichever is greater
- Clients must provide a one-time (nonrefundable) fee of $1,500.00 for down payment and processing
The family must meet requirements as established by HUD/NAHASDA:
- Have a household income at or below the HUD income limits
- Be an Alaskan Native or American Indian
- Have a steady income for a minimum of 6 months (which is not derived from assistance)
- At least 18 years old
- Provide an updated Criminal History from local Trooper Station
Approved applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
The homebuyer is responsible for maintaining all the utilities and maintenance on the home for the duration of the purchase agreement.
All clients must comply with the HUD rules and regulations and the IRHA policies and procedures for all programs.
Home Ownership Program for Elderly (HOPE)This program is based on the HOP program, with modifications on the terms of the loan designed for Elders.
For Elders Wishing to Purchase a Home
- This program is based on the HOP program, with modifications on the terms of the loan designed for Elders. Applicants must be an elder 62 years of age or older.
- The monetary commitment is for 10 years at 4% with minimum monthly obligation of $150.00 or 15% Annual Gross Income. Approved clients must have a minimum annual income of $20,000.00.
To be eligible for the HOPE program the applicant must:
- Meet all requirements for the HOP/E Program
- Be 62 years of age or older
Approved applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
Clients must provide a one-time (nonrefundable) fee of $1,500.00 for down payment and processing.
The homebuyer is responsible for maintaining all the utilities and maintenance on the home for the duration of the purchase agreement.
All clients must comply with the HUD rules and regulations and the IRHA policies and procedures for all programs.
Housing Based AssistanceThese programs offer assistance to eligible low-income Alaska Native/American Indian tribal members and families in need
Fairbanks Northstar Borough ONLY
These programs offer assistance to eligible low-income Alaska Native/American Indian tribal members and families in need by providing rental assistance, assistance for prevention of foreclosure, prevention of being unhoused, or assistance with transition from a temporary shelter.
- Rental Assistance – Provides rental assistance to eligible elderly tribal members and other approved tribal members. This program is tailored to Elders near age 62 or older.
- Homelessness Prevention – Provides one-time assistance to prevent eligible tribal members or families from becoming unhoused.
- Transitional Housing Assistance – Provides one-time assistance to eligible tribal members during transition from a temporary shelter.
- Foreclosure Prevention – Provides one-time assistance during foreclosure to prevent eligible tribal members from becoming unhoused.
For more information please contact the Housing Department for eligibility and program requirements.
To be eligible for Rental Assistance you must:
- Meet program eligibility and requirements
- Have a household income at of below the HUD income limits
- Be an Alaskan Native or American Indian
- Reside in a residence that meets HUD quality housing standards
All clients must comply with the HUD rules and regulations and the IRHA policies and procedures for all programs.
Rehabilitation of Existing HomesImprovements and preservation of existing homes are one of the greatest unmet needs.
Village Rehabilitation Program
Improvements and preservation of existing homes are one of the greatest unmet needs. In partnership with Tribes, the IRHA’s housing rehabilitation program focuses on health, safety, and energy efficiency improvements to existing homes. Once applications are approved the IRHA team evaluates the condition of homes, identifies a scope of work, and develops estimated budgets. The Tribe reviews and approves the proposed scope of work and estimated budget to utilize the NAHASDA funds allocated through HUD to complete the rehabilitation.
To be eligible you must have a family household income at or below HUD’s income limit and meet the requirements of the rehabilitation program and be Alaska Native/American Indian.
Fairbanks Rehabilitation Program
Improvements and preservation of existing homes are one of the greatest unmet needs within the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Rehabilitation focus is on health, safety, and energy efficiency improvements to existing homes. Once applications are approved the IRHA team evaluates the condition of homes, identifies the scope of work, and develops estimated budgets. The client reviews and approves the proposed scope of work and estimated budget to utilize NAHASDA funds allocated through HUD to complete the rehabilitation.
To be eligible you must have a family household income at or below HUD’s income limit and meet the requirements of the rehabilitation program and be Alaska Native/American Indian.
All clients must comply with the HUD rules and regulations and the IRHA policies and procedures for all programs.
Meda Lord Senior Center ProgramThe Meda Lord facility is located in Nenana, Alaska. The facility is made up of fifteen apartment units that are either one or two bedrooms
The Meda Lord facility is located in Nenana, Alaska. The facility is made up of fifteen apartment units that are either one or two bedrooms, also included is an activity room and a laundry room. There is a part-time on‐site resident manager. Monthly payment obligations are based on 30% of the individual or couple’s income. Clients must meet the program requirements as established by the IRHA, HUD/NAHASDA:
- Have a family household income at or below HUD’s income limits
- Provide income verification
- Be 62 years or older
- Elders must be able to manage an apartment; this is not an assisted‐living facility
You are NOT ELIGIBLE if:
- You or anyone in your household is a registered sex offender
Applications are accepted year-round for available units.
This is an alcohol and drug-free facility.
All clients must comply with the HUD rules and regulations and the IRHA policies and procedures for all programs.
For Program Information (Contacts)
Tribal Development
Housing Program
Planning Department
BABA HUD GuidanceABA established a domestic content procurement preference, the BAP, for certain infrastructure projects funded with Federal awards.
Department of Urban Development (HUD)