Five AHEAD awards totaling $3.2 million will help Tribal Nations strengthen housing, community safety, and local infrastructure in California, Arizona, and Nevada.
Lake Forest, CA – September 2024:
Clearinghouse CDFI is sponsoring five projects through the 2024 AHEAD Economic Development Grant Program. Together, these awards provide $3.2 million to Tribal Nations and Native-led organizations advancing improvements in housing, infrastructure, and community support systems. Each project reflects a local plan shaped by community priorities and grounded in steps that can be implemented now, helping lay a foundation for long-term stability.
The AHEAD (Access to Housing and Economic Assistance for Development) Program is administered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBSF). Through its member institutions, AHEAD provides early-stage funding for projects that expand economic opportunity across California, Arizona, and Nevada. As a sponsoring member institution, Clearinghouse CDFI works with community partners to prepare AHEAD applications and facilitates the distribution of awarded funds.
“Communities know what they need. Our role is to help make their plans possible,” said Douglas Bystry, Founder, President & CEO of Clearinghouse CDFI. “We value the trust our partners place in us to sponsor these applications, and we’re proud to help connect FHLBSF’s resources with projects that reflect local priorities.”
2024 AHEAD Grant Recipients
The projects below are led by Tribal Nations and Native-serving nonprofits charting their own path toward stronger, more resilient communities. Clearinghouse CDFI is honored to support these efforts as the sponsoring member institution for AHEAD funding.
NAOMI House — Joseph City, Arizona
AHEAD Award: $600,000
Project Focus: Housing Rehabilitation & Infrastructure Expansion
NAOMI House received a $600,000 AHEAD grant sponsored by Clearinghouse CDFI through FHLBSF to expand and improve its facilities for Native American children in crisis. The organization will undertake work on two nearby properties it owns. One involves construction of a new facility that will include a national office, living quarters, and improved storage. The other focuses on a full renovation of an existing 1980s home to meet increased needs.
The project adds more safe houses and supports smoother day-to-day operations. It also creates capacity for NAOMI House to reach children in additional communities.
Washoe Housing Authority — Gardnerville, Nevada
AHEAD Award: $800,000
Project Focus: Water Infrastructure for Future Affordable Housing
Washoe Housing Authority
(WHA), the Tribally Designated Housing Entity for the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, received an $800,000 AHEAD grant sponsored by Clearinghouse CDFI. WHA is preparing the next phase of its long-range housing plans for the Stewart Indian Colony in Carson City. As part of this work, the Tribal Utility Management Authority identified significant limitations in the site’s current water system.
AHEAD funding provided through FHLBSF will support the work needed to bring a new 100,000-gallon water tank and booster pump online. These improvements will expand the system’s capacity for everyday use and strengthen protections during emergencies.
This infrastructure is essential to moving future phases of housing development forward and will help ensure families have access to safe, reliable homes in the years ahead.
Mono Lake Kootzaduka’a Indian Community Cultural Preservation Association
Mono Lake Kootzaduka’a Indian Community Cultural Preservation AssociationAHEAD Award: $200,000
Project Focus: Land Acquisition for Tribal Housing
The Mono Lake Kootzaduka’a Tribe, through its nonprofit cultural preservation association, received a $200,000 AHEAD grant sponsored by Clearinghouse CDFI through FHLBSF to support the purchase of eight acres of surplus land from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The land will serve as the site for future Tribal housing.
Development will take place in phases. Plans begin with ten two-bedroom homes for elders, followed by additional housing for families that may include rent-to-own options. Each home will face south to optimize natural light and energy performance and include rooftop solar panels connected to a community microgrid. The Tribe also envisions a small trail within the open-space area and, in time, a nearby health clinic. Securing the land is a crucial first step in the Tribe’s plan to bring modern, energy-efficient homes to this rural region.
Tohono O’odham Ki:Ki Association (TOKA)
Tohono O’odham Ki:Ki Association (TOKA)AHEAD Award: $800,000
Project Focus: Predevelopment for LIHTC Housing on the Tohono O’odham Nation
TOKA, the Tribally Designated Housing Entity for the Tohono O’odham Nation, received an $800,000 AHEAD grant sponsored by Clearinghouse CDFI through FHLBSF to support early work for its seventh Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project. The new development will bring housing to the remote communities of Hanam Ke:k and Kawulk.
AHEAD funds will support the required predevelopment work: architectural design, civil engineering, environmental review, geotechnical studies, market analysis, and related planning activities. These steps are necessary to secure LIHTC equity, which is expected to total roughly $20 million. Construction is planned for early 2026 following the LIHTC application and closing. This phase builds on the Nation’s ongoing work to expand access to safe, modern housing across its districts.
Red Feather Development Group
Red Feather Development GroupAHEAD Award: $800,000
Project Focus: Health & Safety Housing Repairs for Hopi and Diné Families
Red Feather Development Group received an $800,000 AHEAD grant sponsored by Clearinghouse CDFI through FHLBSF to carry out essential health and safety repairs for 35 single-family homes in the Hopi and Diné (Navajo) Nations. Many families in this region live with structural issues and other housing conditions that can affect health and overall well-being.
The project focuses on direct improvements that help families remain safely in their homes. Community input guides the work, and Red Feather’s long-standing, collaborative approach helps ensure that repairs reflect local needs and priorities.
About the AHEAD Program
About the AHEAD ProgramAHEAD (Access to Housing and Economic Assistance for Development) is a grant program of FHLBSF. Through its member institutions, AHEAD supports early-stage projects that expand economic opportunity in low- to moderate-income communities. Eligible sponsors include Tribal Nations, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Program details and award lists are available from FHLBSF.
About Clearinghouse Community Development Financial Institution (Clearinghouse CDFI)
About Clearinghouse Community Development Financial Institution (Clearinghouse CDFI)Clearinghouse CDFI is a mission-driven lender that finances projects supporting communities with limited access to capital across the U.S. and Indian Country. Since 1996, Clearinghouse CDFI has delivered more than $2.7 billion in loans that have supported job creation, expanded affordable housing, and helped local organizations move essential projects forward.
A certified B Corporation, Clearinghouse CDFI brings together mission, expertise, and financial strength to help communities access opportunities that support long-term resilience. Learn more at www.ccdfi.com.
Media Contact
A. Smith, Director of Marketing
Clearinghouse CDFI
Phone: 949-528-3287
Email: news@ccdfi.com
