The Round Valley Indian Housing Authority (RVIHA) has been awarded $8.77 million through the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s 2023 Homekey Tribal Program to advance Phase 5 of the Tribal Winds housing development in Covelo, Mendocino County.
The project will include the construction of 18 new permanent supportive rental housing units on a 9.6-acre parcel adjacent to previously completed Tribal Winds homes. The single-family units, consisting of two- and three-bedroom homes, will be offered to eligible tribal members, with priority given to those on the RVIHA housing waitlist.
The Homekey Tribal Program aims to address barriers to affordable housing within tribal communities, with a focus on reducing homelessness or the risk of homelessness. Members of the Round Valley Indian Tribes (RVIT) face significant housing shortages, with many enduring substandard living conditions. The funding for Tribal Winds Phase 5 represents a major step toward alleviating these challenges. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.
“This funding is a significant step forward for Tribal Winds and the RVIT community,” said Lewis Whipple, Executive Director of the RVIHA. “We all know how significant the need for affordable housing is in Round Valley, and we’re thrilled to partner with HCD to secure these funds and create 18 new homes for the Tribal community.”
The RVIHA, established in 1975 as the Tribally Designated Housing Entity of the RVIT, has long been committed to providing safe and sanitary housing for low-income tribal members. It currently owns and manages multiple residential and commercial properties and is the recipient of the annual Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act Indian Housing Block Grant.
The Tribal Winds development has already garnered millions of dollars in grants through state-level programs, furthering RVIHA’s mission to improve the quality of life for vulnerable tribal members and create sustainable, affordable housing opportunities.
