Contact Us

(218)-335-8200 Phone
(218) 335-8309 Fax

Mailing Address
115 Sixth Street NW
Cass Lake, MN 56633

Physical Address
115 Sixth Street NW
Cass Lake, MN 56633

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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Housing Improvement Program

The Housing Improvement Program is a home repair, renovation, and replacement grant program that administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and federally recognized Indian Tribes for American Indians and Alaska Native individuals and families who have no immediate resource for standard housing.

While not an entitlement program, HIP was established under the Snyder Act of 1921 as one of several BIA programs authorized by Congress for the benefit of Indian people.

See below for Housing Improvement Program FAQ.

Eligibility

  • Be an enrolled member of a Federally recognized American Indian tribe or be an Alaskan Native.
  • Live in an approved tribal service area.
  • Have an income that does not exceed 125% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) Poverty Guidelines.
  • Have present housing that is substandard as defined by the regulations.
  • Have no other resource for housing assistance.
  • Have not received assistance after October 1, 1986 for repairs and renovation, replacement or housing or down payment assistance.
  • Have not acquired your present housing through a federally sponsored housing program that includes such housing assistance.

Applications are ranked according to the number of points an applicant receives on the priority calculations form. Factors that are determined are: total annual household income, aged persons, disabled persons, and dependent children.

Applications are taken once per year when the BIA informs the tribe to start accepting applications for this grant assistance program.

Documents Requested

  1. Completed BIA Form 6407 Application along with Privacy Act Statement and Authorization to Release Information Statement
  2. Proof of Tribal Affiliation
  3. Income form all permanent household members
  4. Copy of annual trust income statement for IIM monies
  5. Proof of Ownership of residence and land.
  6. Proof of Disability
  7. Letter of denial - other housing assistance programs

Intake Procedure

  • Fill out an application and return it to our office
  • Walk-in’s welcome
  • Call for more information

Fees

Assistance is free if you qualify for the guidelines set forth by the granting agency.

BIA Housing Improvement Program FAQ

Why is HIP Different? HIP is a home improvement and replacement grant program that serves the neediest of the needy Amreican Indian and /Alaska Native who have substandard housing or no housing at all and have no immediate source of housing assistance. HIP is a secondary safety-net housing program that seeks to eliminate substandard housing and homelessness in Indian communities. HIP plans to help those who need it the most to obtain decent, safe and sanitary housing for themselves and their families. It is the BIA's policy that every American Indian and Alaska Native family should have the opportunity for a decent home and suitable living environment.

Who can I contact about other Indian housing programs? The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is the primary provider of new housing on Indian reservations and in Indian communities through the Office of Native American Programs, the sponsor of Indian Housing Authorities (IHA's) and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHE's). Other federal housing resources available to American Indians and Alaska Natives are the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Program and the US Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) Direct Home Loan Program.

How are HIP funds distributed? HIP funds are distributed on the basis of the number of eligible applicants and their estimated cost of program services. Funds are distributed to tribes through Public Law 93-638 contracts or self-determination compacts or to Bureau of Indian Affairs offices for the delivery of program services to the most need eligible applicatns. Persons interested in performing housing repair, renovation or construction should contact the tribal governments or Bureau of Indian Affairs offices for information on available projects.

What does HIP provide? HIP Provides:
•Interim Improvement: provides up to $2,500 in housing repairs for conditions that threaten the health and/or safety of the occupants.
•Repairs and Renovation: provides up to $35,000 in repairs and renovation to improve the condition of a homewner's dwelling to meet applicable building code standards.
•Replacement Housing or New Home: provides a modest replacement home if a homeowner's dwelling cannot be brought to applicable building code standards or a new home. If you do not own a home you may also be eligible if you are the owner or leaseholder of land suitable for housing and the lease is for not less than 25 years at the time of assistance.

What is a Tribal Service Area? An approved tribal service area is a geographical area designated by a tribe and approved by the BIA where HIP servcies can be delivered. To find out if you live in a an approved tribal service area contact your local tribal or BIA housing office.

What is the HIP Income Guideline? The HIP Income Guideline is comprised of two charts, one for the lower 48 states and the other for Alaska and Hawaii. The income figures on the chart establish the points you will receive for the first Need Ranking Factor bsed on Annual Household Income. Applicants with and annual household income exceeding 125% of the federal Proverty Guidelines are not eligibnle for the program.

How can I apply or get more information? To see if you qualify for HIP assistance, obtain an application, or get more information about HIP and BIA programs contact you local tribal or BIA housing office. Send your completed application to you local tribal housing office.