09/03/2026
Navajo Homeowner Assistance Fund to Reduce Program Eligibility Requirements Under Navajo Nation Council Directive
On August 24, 2026, the 25th Navajo Nation Council issued a directive to the Navajo Division of Children and Family Services (NDCFS) regarding their oversight of the U.S. Treasury Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). To fulfill the directive, NDCFS immediately amended its Subrecipient Agreement (SRA) with Native Community Capital (NCC) – a non-profit entity that manages the Navajo HAF Program on behalf of the Navajo Nation.
The amended SRA requires NCC to, “Remove all additional requirements imposed by the Navajo Nation or Native Community Capital that is more restrictive than the federal requirements,” for the Navajo HAF Program’s Mortgage Principal Reduction Assistance and Mortgage Payment Assistance.
NCC affirmed that it will comply with the directive, effective as of the date it was issued (August 24, 2026). NCC shall review all applications that have not yet been decided, using the least restrictive evaluation criteria permitted by the U.S. Treasury.
Given that approximately four weeks remain before the U.S. Treasury-imposed deadline of September 30, 2026, NCC staff will work to obligate an estimated remaining available $7 million to avoid recapture of funds by the U.S. Treasury.
Though they are prioritizing expeditious review to expend funds by the deadline, the NDCFS and NCC will uphold their duty to guard against fraud, waste, and abuse of these federal funds while maintaining high ethical standards. The NDCFS and NCC confirm they will strictly comply with U.S. Treasury regulations and restrictions in expending the funds, as has been the case. Applicants will still need to provide proof that a COVID-19 related hardship occurred after the purchase of their home.
The Homeowner Assistance Fund is a federal program, authorized through the American Rescue Plan Act, to support homeowners facing financial hardship due to COVID-19.
