FROM THE ARCHIVE
Housing report cites obstacles for Native vets
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2002 The federal government isn't doing enough to increase participation in a home ownership program for Native veterans, a new Congressional report charges. But due to trust land problems, low incomes and lack of infrastructure on reservations in the continental U.S., the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can only do so much, the General Accounting Office (GAO) said on August 23. These obstacles have to be addressed elsewhere, according to Congressional investigators. "Our review suggests that certain elements of the program may be barriers to participation for Native Americans," the report stated. The Native American Veterans Direct Loan Program is designed to combat low home ownership among American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. Fewer than a third of Native Americans own homes, according to federal statistics. But American Indian veterans have received just 38 loans since 1992. Alaska Natives received no money because none applied, VA officials said. Other veterans, however, have benefited from the program, which has been extended twice and is up for reauthorization in 2005. Four out of every five loans have gone to Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, the report stated. To obtain a loan, the VA has four key requirements. They are:
- honorable service in the military
- member of a federally-recognized tribe with a VA housing agreement; or Native Hawaiian
- sufficient credit / income
- holder of a "meaningful" interest in land
Native American Housing: VA Could Address Some Barriers to Participation in Direct Loan Program (GAO-02-654 August 23) Relevant Links:
Department of Veterans Affairs - http://www.va.gov Related Stories:
Principi salutes Native veterans (2/23)
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