September 9, 2026 3:30 p.m. 

On Wednesday, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding a combined just over $9.8 million to the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and the Warm Springs Housing Authority to build more affordable housing for Tribal members.

Merkley said, “It’s critical that Tribal families have affordable, safe places to live that will foster community and connect them to their land”. Wyden said, “This nearly $10 million in federal funding will help Tribes work to overcome their affordable housing shortage. I will keep working to deliver the necessary housing resources to ensure everyone in our state can thrive and live safe, healthy lives”.

Wyden said, “Housing is a basic human right and Tribal communities across Oregon urgently need safe affordable places for families to live and grow”.  Wyden said, “I applaud the Warm Spring Housing Authority and the Cow Creek Band for winning this federal investment that will support constructing new homes and building out essential infrastructure. I will keep fighting to ensure Tribal nations in Oregon and across the nation have the federal resources required to support their citizens and build strong futures.”

The release said the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is receiving just over $4.9 million for the new construction of seven single-family homes and the infrastructure needed to support another new housing project. The Warm Spring Housing Authority is receiving $5 million for the new construction of seven three-bedroom homes for low-income families. The funding comes from the Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program, which provides federal funds to eligible tribes and Tribally Designated Entities to support affordable housing projects in Tribal communities. Priority is given to new construction and housing rehabilitation projects