Washington, D.C. – A bill being sponsored by U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., would help improve housing on the Wind River Reservation and foster job training, education and leadership development for unemployed and out of school young adults.
Under the bill, the Shoshone and Arapaho Indian tribes in Fremont County would be eligible applicants for the Youthbuild program, which provides job training, education, counseling and leadership development for unemployed and young adults ages 16 to 24 who are not currently enrolled in school. Individuals involved in the program construct and rehabilitate affordable housing in their communities to be used permanently for low-income housing.
“Home ownership is one of the most important building blocks in a successful community,” said Enzi. “This bill recognizes the pride that comes from owning a home and helps improve access to a program that fosters involvement between young adults and their community. Young people can feel not only a sense of ownership and pride in their homes, but in their communities.”
The bill, S. 475, the Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005, would also clarify that tribes and tribal entities can access certain grant income used for affordable housing activities, ultimately providing more flexibility in planning. S. 475 would also make clear that tribes can qualify for funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture while exercising tribal preference in contracting without violating the Civil Rights Act.
Enzi cosponsored a similar bill last year that was not taken up before the 108th Congress adjourned. Enzi is hopeful S. 475 will be considered and signed into law this year.
Since 1993 when the Youthbuild program was created more than $300 million Youthbuild grants have been awarded to public and private non-profit organizations. Over 8,351 young people have participated in the program and constructed or rehabilitated more than 4,935 affordable housing units in their communities. For more information on the Youthbuild program visit http://www.youthbuild.org/.
