HOGANSBURG -- Over $800,000 will support public housing in Akwesasne, according to recent announcements from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Of that, $608,682 is in Indian Housing Block Grants.

The program primarily benefits low-income Native American families. “The amount of each grant is based on a formula that considers local needs and housing units under management by the tribe or TDHE. Eligible activities for the funds include housing development, operation and maintenance, modernization of existing housing, housing services to eligible families and individuals, housing management services, crime prevention and safety activities, and model activities,” HUD said in a news release.

The Akwesasne Housing Authority has received a $199,768 grant from HUD.

The grant, part of HUD's Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency - Service Coordinators program (ROSS-SC), are part of a $36 million amount awarded to public housing agencies, non-profit organizations, resident associations and tribal grantees across the nation.

The funding is to allow agencies receiving the money to hire or retain service coordinators who help connect all public housing residents with employment training, financial literacy services, educational opportunities, and health and wellness programs, said a HUD press release.

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