Emerging Initiatives

Homelessness in Indian Country

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s definition of homelessness excludes those who are “doubled-up” or “couch surfing,” some of the most common ways that housing shortages impact residents in Indian Country.

Nevertheless, homelessness still occurs in many tribal communities.

By collecting reliable data through tribally managed Point-In-Time counts and doubled-up counts, tribal programs and service providers can take action to support their community members and advocate for change in HUD’s programs.

Big Water continues to push this as a focus area through data collection and advocacy.

Examples of our work in this area include:

• Flathead Indian Reservation Housing Needs Assessment – Doubled-Up/Homelessness Survey

• Rosebud Indian Reservation Doubled-Up Count

• NAIHC Presentation – Addressing Homelessness in Tribal Communities: Barriers and Opportunities