Our Programs

Advocacy and Education

Work with public, private and non-profit groups and organizations such as; Illinois Housing Council and other advocacy groups to support the need for affordable housing and economic development in the Native American and underserved communities.

Leverage the University of Illinois at Chicago report: The State of racial Justice for American Indian Chicagoans. Continue to educate the public, locally, regionally and at the national level about urban Native American housing issues and needs.

Organize and mobilize the Native American leadership within the Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative to propose and support solutions including legislative, programmatic and resource allocation strategies.

Housing Development

Foster the creation and preservation of low and moderate-income housing for Native American and underserved communities in the Chicagoland area.

Build a development team, identify sites and pursue funding for a new housing project to serve Native American, underserved and low-income individuals and families.

Utilize an array of private and public financing sources, including, but not limited to low-interest loans, grants, individual and tribal donations, Native American Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996 (“NAHASDA”) funds as well as operating subsidies through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), and federal low-income housing tax credits (“LIHTC”) under Section 42 of the Code.

Economic Development

Provide training and technical assistance to help support job creation and economic growth in the Native American, underserved and low-income areas.

Help to leverage public and private investments for economic and community development. Work with groups such as the Native Learning Center to provide access to training, skills and resources for leadership, economic development and housing.

Work with local and regional Native American organizations to provide referrals and access for services such as; case management, job training, business loans, food pantries, shelters, senior housing and health services.