The member banks of the Federal Home Loan Bank System (FHLBS) are required by law to spend at least 10 percent of their profits on affordable housing. The funding is awarded through the competitive Affordable Housing Program (AHP). Each development project must be sponsored by one of the 12 districts’ member banks. These funds are usually leveraged with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and in some cases, ONAP’s Title VI commercial loans. Here are the 2014 awardees of the EW region.

Awards from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC) and sponsor native-owned Chippewa Valley Bank:

Penobscot Nation Elder Apartment Building

On January 15, 2020, the Penobscot Nation celebrated the opening of a new 24-unit elderly apartment building. Designed for Penobscot elders seeking to age in place, the building features river views from all sixteen one-bedroom apartments, while the eight 2-bedroom apartments face away from the river. Located on Nohkomess Street, the building replaced a previous 8-unit apartment building that was beyond repair. The new building features radiant flooring, great accessibility, walk-in showers, and a large common room on the second floor, as well as Senior Meals on the first floor. Lunch is served Monday to Friday in the first-floor dining area for all Penobscot elders older than age 55. Future plans call for various activities to be hosted in the large open spaces, and within the activity room. To read the entire, click here.

White Earth Nation Breaks Ground on 20 Unit Supportive Housing Development

From left are Rep. Steve Green (R) District: 02B, White Earth Transportation, Director Burny Tibbetts, MHFA Tribal Housing Liaison Rick Smith, District II Rep. Terry Tibbetts, Secretary-Treasurer Robert J. Durant, WE Human Services Director Ben Bement, Giwanikimin Chairman of the Board, Jack Fabre, Giwanikimin Vice Chairman of the Board Christie Haverkamp, and EAPC Architects Chief Operations Officer Wayne Dietrich.

The official groundbreaking for the Giwanikimin (We Live in Harmony) supportive housing project was held December 3^rd, 2013 at the construction site in Naytahwaush. The project will consist of four town home structures with 2, 3 and 4 bedroom units, totaling 20 rental units all together. Giwanikimin will be focusing its rental units for low income families who are homeless and will offer highest priority to families who have a history of being long-term homeless. Along with housing, Giwanikimin will offer services to their tenants to help break the cycle of homelessness. Human Services, Health, Behavioral Health and Indian Child Welfare are working closely together in developing a services model that has never been demonstrated before. They will be offering a multitude of services on site at the supportive service office. The project is scheduled to be completed in late summer. For the full Anishinaabeg Today article, click here.

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi's Community Center earns prestigious Gold LEED certification

Located in the Pokégnek Édawat Village, near Dowagiac, Michigan the Community Center provides Pokagon citizens with a central place to gather for meetings, social events and special occasions. The 8,500 square-foot building includes a host of low-impact design elements including solar panels that offset energy costs, a section of the roof that supports the growth of live native plants while insulating the building and reducing water runoff, and a geothermal heating and cooling system which improves comfort and reduces both energy dependence and operating costs. The Community Center is the first in southwestern Michigan to earn gold LEED.

Hannahville's New Island Oasis

Hannahville’s New Island Oasis convenience store and gas station has been renovated and expanded to better serve local needs. As the only gas station on the reservation it is a much needed local resource for essential foodstuffs as well as 12 gas pumps including diesel, a car wash, and a new sub and pizza shop. As the venue continues to be profitable, further expansion of the healthier food options is planned.