$3.7 million federal housing grant awarded to Torres Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla Indians

The Torres Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla Indians received a $3.7 million federal grant to build a dozen single-family homes on tribal land, it was announced today.

'Adequate and affordable housing is essential to the well-being and health of a community,'' said Rep. Raul Ruiz, who represents the Coachella Valley in Congress."That is why I am thrilled to have helped bring $3.7 million for affordable housing construction to reduce overcrowding and ultimately improve the lives of the residents in the Torres-Martinez community.''

The tribe applied for the funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

According to a letter Ruiz sent last September to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson supporting the tribe's application for Indian
Housing Block Grant Program funds, 50% of its residents live near or below the poverty line ``in dilapidated, overcrowded living conditions.''

'We are excited about the opportunities that this money will bring for our community,'' said tribal Vice Chairman Joseph Mirelez."We thank Dr. Ruiz for his continued advocacy on behalf of our tribe and look forward to breaking ground on the construction of these homes that will improve our family and community life.''

The announcement comes as municipalities across Southern California continue to battle a statewide housing shortage. Gov. Gavin Newsom has set a goal of creating 3 1/2 million new housing units statewide by 2025.