There are two federal home programs that provide assistance specifically to Native Americans - the Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program and the Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program (Section 184). Each provides uniquely different opportunities.

Managed by a local, authorized Public Housing Agency (PHA), the Indian Home loan Guarantee Program is a grant that provides and manages cost-effective, respectable, safe and affordable real estate for low-income families. Tribal governing bodies decide on a tribally designated housing entity (TDHE) that prepares an Indian Housing Plan (IHP).

Assistance is provided annually in the form of a block grant based on an allocation formula for Native American tribes with approved IHPs. Tribes that submit an IHP are awarded block grants. Eligible Alaska Native villages and Native American tribes decide who will receive the block grant.

Those eligible will be able to rent, own or be provided real estate services on Indian reservations or other Indian allocated areas. Housing can cost up to 30 percent of an eligible family's adjusted gross income. Eligible costs may include operating assistance, modernization, new construction, acquisition and others.

Requirements for this program are that you must:

* Be Native American / American Indian / First Nations / Alaska Native
* Be in need of clean, safe, affordable rental housing
* Be able to prove that you have low to very-low income

For additional information:

* Call (202) 708-0950
* Visit the HUD Office of Public and Indian Housing website

The Indian Home Loan Guarantee Loan Program (Section 184) addresses home ownership opportunities for Tribes, Native Americans, TDHEs and Indian Housing Authorities on Indian land. Guaranteed home loans are made available through private lending institutions for eligible borrowers. Purchase of an existing home, new home construction, rehab only, purchase and rehab or refinancing are all options allowed under this program. Borrowers are not required to purchase mortgage insurance.

Requirements for this program are:

* Home loan application must be for your primary residence
* You must be American Indian / First Nations / Alaska Native
* Borrowers must be enrolled in a federally recognized Alaskan Native village or American Indian tribe
* 1.25 percent down payment required for loans under $50,000 and 2.25 percent for loans over $50,000.
* One-time, 1 percent loan guarantee fee required, which can be added to your financing

Some other specifics are that the mortgage will be a 30-year (or less) fixed-rate loan paid monthly. Interest on the loan will reflect the current market rate. The maximum loan allowed is 150 percent of FHA loan limits applicable to the area. Repayment fees do not apply.

To get started, HUD recommends potential loan applicants to attend a homebuyer education class if one is available in your tribe or community. The class prepares you for the home buying process, and equips you to understand the qualifications for a home loan.

For more details visit the govbenefits website for the following:

* Find out if you're eligible by taking the questionnaire
* Find a list of HUD approved vendors