Senators Wyden, Merkley announce $2 million for Warm Springs affordable housing project

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) -- Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced Wednesday a federal investment of $2 million for the Warm Springs Housing Authority to build more affordable housing for low- and moderate-income Tribal members. 

“There is a serious need for more affordable housing across Oregon, but especially in Tribal communities like Warm Springs,” Wyden said. “I applaud this federal investment to address the affordable housing crisis head on, and will continue to fight for more projects like these that tackle the problem directly by getting a roof over people’s heads and a floor under their feet.”

“It’s critical that Tribal families have affordable, safe places to live that will foster community and connect them to their land,” said Merkley. “This critical federal housing funding will help address an acute housing shortage in Warm Springs. I will keep working to make sure everyone in our state has the resources they need to thrive and live safe, healthy lives.”

The $2 million federal investment is available through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Indian Community Development Block Grant program, and will be used to build six new single-family homes in a new 45-unit development project in Warm Springs.

Wyden and Merkley have both been advocates for resources to increase affordable housing within Tribal communities. In August 2023, Merkley and Wyden announced $7.5 million for affordable housing projects in Warm Springs with another $2 million that was announced in May 2023. In addition, Wyden and Merkley announced $5 million in July 2022 for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to upgrade drinking water infrastructure.