What is the BIA Home Improvement Assistance Program (HIP)?

The BIA Housing Improvement Program (HIP) is a housing grant program for Alaska Native and American Indian individuals and families who have no immediate resource for standard housing and is administrated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and federally recognized Indian Tribes, including CITC.

What can Grant funds be used for?

• Category (D) – Provides down payment assistance for individuals to use with Tribal housing programs and/or other participating lenders (up to 30% or $75,000 max).

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for BIA HIP assistance, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Tribal citizen of a federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native nation and be able to provide Certificate of Indian Blood
• Have an income that does not exceed 80% of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Income Limits

How do I apply?

Complete application and provide supporting income documents – see checklist and instructions below. Email all documents to Raymond Petersen at rpetersen@ruralcap.org.
You only need to fill out the highlighted sections in the attached application for this program.

Can someone help me with my application? 

Yes, Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) has a Navigation Team located at 3600 San Jeronimo Drive (across from Costco on Debarr) on the 1st floor. Stop by Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or you can speak with a CITC Navigation team member by calling (907) 793-3303.

Who can answer my questions?

Rural Community Action Program, Inc. (NMLS #396638)