Honoring Heritage and Strength: Supporting Housing Opportunities for Nebraska’s Tribal Communities

November is Native American Heritage Month — a time to celebrate the vibrant history, culture, and leadership of Nebraska's Tribal Nations.

Nebraska’s Native communities have long built places where culture, family, and connection flourish. This month, and throughout the year, NIFA recognizes that safe, stable housing is a cornerstone for Tribal well-being — supporting health, preserving cultural identity, and strengthening future opportunities for Native American families in Nebraska.

The Importance of Stable Housing for Tribal Communities

Safe, affordable housing is more than shelter — it is the foundation for educational success, economic stability, and strong, healthy families. For Nebraska’s Tribal Nations, housing stability also plays a vital role in preserving traditions and fostering intergenerational connection.

Through the Nebraska Strategic Housing Framework, NIFA and statewide partners are working to reduce the number of cost-burdened households and expand affordable, quality rental and homeownership options, including in Tribal and rural communities across the state.

Multifamily Housing Developments: Expanding Local Housing Options

NIFA is proud to collaborate with Tribal partners and local leaders to expand access to quality, affordable rental housing. Seven multifamily housing developments have been completed across Macy, Omaha, and Winnebago, increasing affordable choices and supporting community growth for Native families.

These developments are part of NIFA’s broader investment in affordable rental housing. Since inception, NIFA has allocated more than $2 billion in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and over $385 million in Nebraska Affordable Housing Tax Credits to support the creation and preservation of affordable rental homes statewide. In fiscal year 2025 alone, $213.8 million in LIHTC and AHTC awards supported 1,237 affordable units for families, seniors, and special populations.

Native American Community Impact Grant Program

Since 2021, the Native American Community Impact Grant Program has provided targeted support to Tribal governments and Native-serving organizations working to address housing, health, and community needs. To date, NIFA has awarded a total of $210,000 in three-year grants, including $30,000 in fiscal year 2025, helping partners expand staff capacity, pilot new programs, and deepen long-term community impact.

These investments are designed to be flexible and community-led, allowing Tribal partners to shape projects that reflect local priorities — from housing stability and supportive services to culturally rooted community development initiatives.

Empowering Communities Through Education and Support

Grantees such as the Northern Ponca Housing Authority, the Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition, and Family Housing Advisory Services (FHAS) lead culturally grounded initiatives designed to uplift and equip their communities.

Our current Native American Community Impact Grant partner offers practical, hands-on workshops that build confidence throughout the homeownership journey — from preparing to buy a home to budgeting for routine maintenance, yard care, and unexpected expenses. Every participant has reported increased knowledge, demonstrating the power of community-driven education and the importance of pairing financial tools with trusted, culturally informed guidance.

In addition to the Native American Community Impact Grant, NIFA’s Outreach Partnership Grants have supported more than 30 nonprofits in building capacity for affordable housing and related services, strengthening the statewide network of organizations that Native households may rely on for education, counseling, and support.

Emergency Rental Assistance: Keeping Families Safely Housed

Housing stability is essential for well-being. In partnership with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, NIFA administered a second round of the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) Program to help renters financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic stay in their homes. Statewide, more than 2,500 applications were approved and $17.9 million in assistance was distributed across 70 Nebraska counties, including support for households with very low incomes.

Within this broader effort, 197 Native American households received emergency rental assistance to remain safely housed, and 66 households accessed additional stability services such as utility support and housing-related case management. These efforts reinforce the foundation that helps Native families avoid displacement, maintain community ties, and move toward long-term success.

Home Is Connection, Identity, and Promise

Home is more than a physical space — it represents connection, identity, and the promise of a strong future. This month and every month, NIFA honors the resilience, leadership, and contributions of Nebraska’s Tribal Nations.

We remain committed to working alongside Native communities to create housing solutions that reflect Tribal values, strengthen families, and expand opportunity for generations to come. From multifamily housing developments and Native American Community Impact Grants to rental assistance and statewide policy work, NIFA is investing in housing that supports the heritage, strength, and future of Nebraska’s Tribal communities.

Learn More and Get Involved

To learn more about the Native American Community Impact Grant Program, NIFA’s Emergency Rental Assistance efforts, or our broader community partnerships, visit our Community Collaboration team page:

https://www.nifa.org/community-collaboration/outreach-support

Together, we can continue supporting housing, stability, and opportunity for Nebraska’s Tribal Nations — in November and all year long.

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About NIFA

The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) is Nebraska’s statewide housing finance agency, advancing affordable housing, community development, and agricultural investment across the state. Through strong collaborations with Tribal Nations, local leaders, nonprofit partners, lenders, developers, and housing advocates, NIFA helps expand access to safe, affordable housing and strengthens the economic vitality of Nebraska’s rural, urban, and Tribal communities. Learn more at nifa.org.