The $20 Million Fight That Almost Wasn't
Republicans tried to slash Native housing programs. A bipartisan coalition fought back and won.
Native families face an extreme housing crisis in 2025, teachers commuting hours and elders living in unsafe, condemned homes.
Lawmakers tried to slash funding for Native housing programs in the federal budget.
Plot twist: Congress reversed course and added $20 million instead.
But the need is massive, Native communities require 68,000 new homes just to meet basic standards like safe roofs and working plumbing.
This victory is only temporary, Native housing programs are threatened every single year, leaving families in constant uncertainty.
It's 2025, and somewhere in Indian Country, a young teacher drives two hours each way to work because there's simply nowhere to live in her own community. Meanwhile, her elderly parents stay in a house that should have been condemned years ago, not by choice, but because it's the only option they have.
This isn't a scene from a century ago. This is happening right now, in America, to American families.
When House Republicans quietly moved to slash Native American housing programs in the proposed 2026 federal budget, it looked like thousands more families would be condemned to these conditions. Just another line item eliminated in the name of fiscal responsibility. But this time, something unexpected happened: lawmakers from both sides of the aisle said no.
Not only did Congress reject the proposed cuts, but the House Appropriations Committee actually increased funding for the Indian Housing Block Grant Program by $20 million. It's a win worth celebrating—and a crisis worth understanding.
The Reality Most Americans Don't See
Native communities face the worst housing conditions in the country. We're talking about families crowded into spaces meant for half as many people, homes without basic plumbing, and structures that wouldn't pass inspection anywhere else in America.
The numbers tell the story: more than 68,000 new housing units are needed just to meet basic needs in tribal communities. That's not luxury housing or suburban developments—that's safe, decent homes with working bathrooms and roofs that don't leak.
Think about what this means for real families. Young couples can't start families because there's nowhere to live. Kids grow up in overcrowded conditions that affect their health and school performance. Elders stay in unsafe homes because there are no alternatives.
These aren't just statistics. These are American citizens—many who serve in the military, contribute to the economy, and preserve cultural knowledge that benefits all of us.
Why This Matters to Everyone
You might be wondering why Native housing should matter to you if you don't live near a reservation. Here's why: when any group of Americans lacks safe housing, it says something about our national priorities.
Native communities contribute significantly to American life through military service, economic activity, and environmental stewardship. Many tribal lands contain natural resources and biodiversity that benefit the entire country. Supporting stable housing isn't just about fairness—it's about recognizing contributions that serve everyone.
Plus, stable housing creates a ripple effect. When families have secure homes, children do better in school, adults can focus on careers, and communities can invest in growth instead of constantly managing crises.
The Real Solution
While the recent budget victory is encouraging, it's just a band-aid. The real fix requires Congress to fully update the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA)—the law that governs tribal housing programs.
Right now, tribes have to fight for funding every single year, never knowing if their housing programs will survive the next budget cycle. Full reauthorization would modernize the law, give tribes more flexibility, and allow long-term planning instead of annual panic.
What You Can Do
The recent congressional victory proves that public attention works. Here's how you can help:
Contact your representatives. Call or email your members of Congress and ask them to support full NAHASDA reauthorization. Many lawmakers don't fully understand the scope of this crisis.
Share the story. Most Americans have no idea that Native housing is funded differently or so precariously. Spreading awareness builds the public support needed for lasting change.
Support the advocates. Organizations like the National American Indian Housing Council work year-round to protect these programs. They combine policy expertise with grassroots advocacy to make real change happen.
The recent budget fight shows that progress is possible when people pay attention and lawmakers recognize what's at stake. But lasting change requires sustained effort to ensure Native families don't have to wonder each year whether their housing programs will survive.
Every American family deserves a safe place to call home. Native families shouldn't be the exception.