Feature Story

All Mission Indian Housing Authority (AMIHA)

In the fall of 2007, wild fires overwhelmed southern California. More than 600 homes were destroyed in San Diego County. On the La Jolla Indian Reservation 30 homes were lost, of that 14 of the homes were HUD developed Mutual Help homeownership units. Through a concerted effort by the All Mission Indian Housing Authority (AMIHA) all 14 of the lost homes were rebuilt and reoccupied within nine months of the wildfires.

AMIHA was able to build bigger, energy efficient homes in an very cost efficient manner. Square footage costs were under $110 square foot which is nearly unheard of in Southern California housing markets. Using a well designed competitive negotiated procurement process put construction on a fast track. AMIHA received two dozen proposals from contractors and developers. Using this design/build method of procurement and through diligent contract administration AMIHA was able to build bigger, better homes. The La Jolla homes were the first homes

to be completed out of all the houses lost in Southern California and the AMIHA actions were recently noted as a "significant accomplishment" by HUD's Southwest Office of Native American Programs in Phoenix, AZ.

AMIHA is the tribally designated housing entity serving nine tribes in Southern California. Several of the tribes have severe housing shortages and a large number of homes in need of significant renovation.

32nd Annual Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market

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Indians of the Past

Indians of the Past (MS-PowerPoint)

NCAI Holds 65th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ – During the week of October 19 – 24, the National Congress of American Indians holds its 65th Annual Convention and Trade Show.

The Southwest Office of Native American Program and the HUD Office of Native American Programs in Washington, DC participated as exhibitors at the trade show. During the week more than 2,000 participants attended the week-long events. Our SWONAP staff assisting at the trade show included, SWONAP Administrator, Carolyn O’Neil, Acting Director of Grants Evaluation, John Fernandes, Director of Grants Management, Deb Browermann, HUD-SWONAP attorney, Mary Shirley; and Grants Evaluations Specialists Ann Gonzales, Jan Cheney, Don Sam, Pam Irvin, Wayne Brewster and Jan Alex and Grants Management Specialist, Sarah Olsen.
Francis Harjo from the Office of Native American Programs in Washington DC coordinated the exhibit.