Native Learning Center is Awarded Training and Technical Assistance Funding from HUD

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - Jan. 22, 2014 - PRLog -- The Native Learning Center (NLC), a Seminole Tribe of Florida program dedicated to the development of cultural and quality of life skills for all Native and Indigenous people, is pleased to be named the only Tribe authorized to receive a $700,000 Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide training and technical assistance to Tribes and Tribal housing authorities.

The NLCwill work directly with federally recognized Indian Tribes that receive HUD’s Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) to provide training and technical assistance related to their affordable housing plans. For example, funds may be used to conduct educational conferences for multiple Tribes on specific topics such as energy-efficient/sustainable construction, or to provide on-site, one-on-one consultation to Tribes to resolve challenges that prevent them from creating sustainable, affordable housing for their members.

“We are very grateful for this funding from HUD and the positive impact it will have on Tribes that receive HUD’s IHBG funding. We believe that providing training and technical assistance for Tribes will yield results that will help strengthen our communities in Indian Country.” – Georgette Palmer Smith, (Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma/Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) Executive Director of the Native Learning Center.

The NLC is one of five organizations awarded training and technical assistance funding that total $4.5 million dollars. The four other recipients are: Association of Alaskan Housing Authorities, Rural Community Assistance Corporations, First Nations Development Institute, and FirstPic, Inc.

HUD will administer and coordinate the delivery of training and technical assistance services with the awardees; however, the details on how Tribes can access the services have not yet been disclosed.

In 2013, NLC completed 5 on-site technical assistance visits to Tribes. The NLC also hosted 3 conferences and 29 interactive webinar trainings that totaled90 sessions on topics unique to Tribal housing and strengthening Tribal communities. Over 950 Tribal professionals and 69 Tribes were served throughout Indian Country.

The NLC continues to offer training and technical services within its five focus areas (Housing Strategies, Financial Wellness, Tribal Government, Grant Education, and Celebrating Culture & Language) under its current IHBG grant through HUD’s Office of Native American Programs. To learn more about the NLC’s Training and Technical Assistance program, visit www.hud.gov or www.nativelearningcenter.com.