The Native American Housing Assistance Program (NAHASDA) exists to help Native Americans who have issues covering their own basic housing costs. 

Tribal members who are utilizing this program seek assistance due to a number of circumstances. We encourage all eligible members of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation who are having difficulty covering basic housing expenses to apply. There are program participants who are actively attending college, have negative domestic situations or other personal circumstances that create challenges to meeting basic needs. The following overview of services is intended to provide additional information to all of our tribal members regarding the program.  

The Housing Rental and Emergency Program: Provides up to $1000 dollars to qualifying recipients. The funding amount under this program is calculated based on income and household size. This money can be used for rent, utilities, and down deposits. Members can access the program once every two years and the maximum two-person household income for this program is $48,000. 

Housing Rehab Program: Provides rehabilitation services for tribal homeowners that pass all of the requirements and are granted eligibility, and can be used for items on home that require rehabilitation, this is not the same as maintenance on a item in the home. All tribal members who own homes and live within 50 miles of the tribal administration office are eligible to apply to this program.  Low income elders are provided service preference.  

Buy Now Program: Is a grant that tribal members can apply for that offers assistance with buying and purchasing a home. This program assists with the down-payment of the home.  

LiHeap: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program for low income Seneca-Cayuga tribal members who reside within a 50 mile radius of the tribal complex. This program is based on income, household size, available resources and responsibility for payment of home energy costs. Depending on the severity of the crisis situation and meeting all criteria, a family could qualify up to $650 in services in fiscal year. Everyone who resides under the same utility service address must apply together. Seneca-Cayuga tribal members may apply for energy assistance through DHS or with Seneca-Cayuga Nation but cannot receive assistance from both during the same federal fiscal year. Assistance for utilities, gas, electric etc. If you qualify for a crisis situation may have additional resources available to you. 

Social Services General Assistance Program: Social Services General Assistance Program offers financial assistance to qualifying Native Americans enrolled in a federally recognized tribe within Delaware or Ottawa County. Program eligibility will be reviewed every three months. The goal of the program is to increase the self-sufficiency of the tribe. Every general assistance recipient must work with their corresponding Social Services case manager developing a plan that outlines the steps an individual will take to increase independence meeting the goal of employment. Individuals can contact the housing office for additional requirements and details around eligibility for the social services program. 

IHS Sanitization Services: This IHS program offers services to qualifying Native Americans residing within the former reservation boundary of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation in Ottawa and Delaware County. The IHS provides comprehensive primary health care and disease prevention services. The Sanitation Facilities Construction (SFC) Program is the environmental engineering component of the IHS health delivery system. To support the IHS mission, the SFC Program provides technical and financial assistance for cooperative development and construction of safe water, wastewater, and solid waste systems and related support facilities.  Applications can be accessed in housing departments.

Who pays for it?

Program resources are paid for through the Housing Urban Development Grant, through the federal government. 

How do you apply?

Members will need to complete and submit applications for each program they are applying for. Applications are available on the scribe.com website or tribal members can contact the office and pick up an application there. (918)791-6060 is the phone number, or email to Ray Jones at rjones@sctribe.com. Each application outlines the eligibility requirements for the specific program. If members have questions regarding eligibility or accessing various financing assistance for housing, referrals may also be available.