Rural Housing Economic Development (RHED)
Contact person
Dorothy Still Smoking
BH Community & Economic Development/RHED Director
(406)-338-5031 ext.232
Dorothy@blackfeethousing.com
Description
The total population on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation is 8,507. The population is increasing on an average rate growth of 18.1% every 10 years (Census Reports). The poverty level of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation is two and one-half times higher than the national average. The unemployment rate according to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (2003) is 68% with local estimates even higher at different times during the year. 46% of the employed are below Poverty Guidelines. The percentage of persons with Low to Moderate Incomes is 61%. There is documented overcrowded housing; low educational levels and high crime rates facing Blackfeet families daily.
A Blackfeet Housing Community Assessment 2005 was completed. The findings of this survey will be used to support the RHED grant proposal. Blackfeet Housing proposes to create a community empowerment initiative whereby the BH housing projects/communities can begin to seek support for their short and long term planning.
The goal of the Blackfeet Housing RHED is:
To develop strategies to improve the quality of life for residents in
Blackfeet Housing homes/projects on the Blackfeet Indian
Reservation through community mobilization and partnerships.
A four-part consortium agreement will be developed with Blackfeet Community College, Blackfeet Manpower, Blackfeet Family Services/Juvenile Justice, and Blackfeet Housing to support create efforts with tenants/families in the Browning Area to:
● Train at least 280 families/tenants in Financial Skills for Families; GED;
Self-esteem/self-empowerment; Leadership; Home Ownership;
Family Parenting/Development; Computer Literacy and Job Readiness.
● More than 150 community members will attend meetings each year.
● Blackfeet Community Housing Development Corporation will be develop.
The Blackfeet Tenant Community Housing Development Organization Model will be developed with these communities to share with other communities.
RHED Staff: Dr. Dorothy M. Still Smoking, Project Director
Ms. Debbie WG Bull Shoe, Community Educator/Trainer
Ms. Delma Vielle, Tenant Counselor