Grant Will Allow 50 Elder HUD Homes to Receive Roof Repairs

The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Government would like to announce that the Tribe has been awarded funds from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Indian Community Development Block Grant. The intended outcome of this project is the reduction of structural hazards to prevent deterioration in 50 low- and moderate-income non-HUD homes at Lac Courte Oreilles, with priority given to tribal member elders. This will be done by installing new metal roofs, soffit, fascia and gutters. Garages will be included if they were at least 24 x 20 (no sheds or carports). This project is consistent with the goals and objectives of the 2006 Comprehensive Plan of Lac Courte Oreilles, Element 2, Housing: Goal 3: “Preserve existing housing stock by renovating homes on a community basis.”

At least four youth involved in the Gwayako-bimaadiziwin program will also receive on the job training, as construction laborers, through LCO Development Corporation in the building trade with this project. “Gwayako-bimaadiziwin” (Living the Right Kind of Life) is a youth development program serving male youth, ages 17-24, who are disproportionately impoverished, incarcerated, unemployed, underemployed, and undereducated who are increasingly isolated from mainstream tribal society. The program works to strengthen their Ojibwe identity and resiliency, address unresolved trauma, and access supportive services and resources to enable them to successfully transition to manhood.

This funding is very specific on use and qualifications. While the Tribal Government understands that there are many needs in our community, Elder roof repair was identified as high priority by the community members that attended the meetings.

There are three considerations to meet to qualify.

1. Due to the requirements of the Grant the qualifications are based on financial need. Applicants will have to meet the federal 2019 – 2020 low to moderate income guidelines. If you or your family qualifies for Energy Assistance you qualify for this program.

2. You must own and live in your primary residence on the Lac Courte Oreilles reservation that is in need of a roof as determined by our construction consultants. Only wood-framed, viable structures with sound foundations were identified for renovation.

Assistance (modular units and trailer homes are not eligible in this project.)

3. Be an elder, 55 years or older.

If you have any questions or would like to apply please contact Project Coordinator, Jason Weaver, 715-634-8934 Ext. 7469