MARKVILLE, LA – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana has been awarded a $5 million Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG-Competitive) by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding will support the construction of 11 single-family rental homes, addressing critical housing needs within the tribe’s community. The project will include a variety of layouts, providing much-needed housing for Tunica-Biloxi families, reducing overcrowding and ensuring safe, reliable housing on the Tunica-Biloxi reservation in order to bring more tribal citizens home to their ancestral lands.
“This award represents a monumental step forward for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe in our mission to enhance the quality of life for our citizens,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “The construction of these homes will significantly reduce the housing needs in our community and create opportunities for families to thrive. It also is an opportunity to bring our citizens home for good. I am deeply grateful to the dedicated individuals whose expertise and hard work made this achievement possible.”
“The construction of these 11 new homes is not just about providing shelter; it’s about creating a foundation where families can feel safe, supported, and empowered to build a brighter future,” said Tunica-Biloxi Director of Housing Stephanie Stilesstated. “These homes will directly address critical needs in our community, reducing overcrowding and providing families with a stable and secure place to call home. It’s an honor to contribute to a project that will have such a lasting impact on the lives of citizens and the future of the tribe.”
The homes will be built in Heritage Villa on the tribe’s reservation in Marksville. This project is expected to begin in January 2025, with an anticipated completion date of May 2028. The project as a whole represents a critical step in addressing housing challenges faced by the Tunica-Biloxi community and demonstrates the tribe’s unwavering commitment to improving the well-being of its citizens.
“This achievement underscores a belief my father often expressed: ‘It takes teamwork to make the dream work.’ Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient future for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe,” said Chairman Pierite.
